Download or read book A Curse So Dark and Lonely written by Brigid Kemmerer and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2019-01-29 with total page 517 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A New York Times bestseller! "Has everything you'd want in a retelling of a classic fairy tale." - Jodi Picoult In a lush, contemporary fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Brigid Kemmerer gives readers another compulsively readable romance perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer. Fall in love, break the curse. It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope. Nothing has ever been easy for Harper. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother barely holding their family together while constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, she learned to be tough enough to survive. But when she tries to save someone else on the streets of Washington, DC, she's instead somehow sucked into Rhen's cursed world. Break the curse, save the kingdom. A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn't know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what's at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.

Download or read book A Heart So Fierce and Broken written by Brigid Kemmerer and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2020-01-07 with total page 361 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the sequel to New York Times bestselling A Curse So Dark and Lonely, Brigid Kemmerer returns to the world of Emberfall in a lush fantasy where friends become foes and love blooms in the darkest of places. Find the heir, win the crown. The curse is finally broken, but Prince Rhen of Emberfall faces darker troubles still. Rumors circulate that he is not the true heir and that forbidden magic has been unleashed in Emberfall. Although Rhen has Harper by his side, his guardsman Grey is missing, leaving more questions than answers. Win the crown, save the kingdom. Grey may be the heir, but he doesn't want anyone to know his secret. On the run since he destroyed Lilith, he has no desire to challenge Rhen--until Karis Luran once again threatens to take Emberfall by force. Her own daughter Lia Mara sees the flaws in her mother's violent plan, but can she convince Grey to stand against Rhen, even for the good of Emberfall? The heart-pounding, compulsively readable saga continues as loyalties are tested and new love blooms in a kingdom on the brink of war.

Download or read book A Vow So Bold and Deadly written by Brigid Kemmerer and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2021-01-26 with total page 419 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: _______________ The third book in the New York Times bestselling Cursebreaker series: a contemporary feminist fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J Maas. _______________ KINGDOMS WILL CLASH. CHOOSE YOUR SIDE. Grey has been revealed as the rightful prince of Emberfall. But the kingdom is crumbling fast, torn between his claim and that of the reigning Prince Rhen and Princess Harper. Newly crowned as Queen of the enemy kingdom Syhl Shallow, Lia Mara struggles to rule with a gentler hand than her mother. But as Grey moves closer to claiming the crown of Emberfall, both Harper and Lia Mara are forced to question where they stand – and how far they can follow the dictates of their hearts. Brigid Kemmerer's heart-pounding saga comes to a thrilling climax, as two kingdoms come closer and closer to conflict – and an old enemy resurfaces who could destroy them all. For more fantasy romance, don't miss Brigid Kemmerer's heart-stopping Defy the Night series.

Download or read book Curse So Dark and Lonely The Complete Cursebreaker Collection written by Brigid Kemmerer and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2021-06-24 with total page 1076 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Four royals. Two thrones. One deadly curse. In the heart of Emberfall, Prince Rhen is trapped by a curse, haunted by the beast inside, while beyond the palace walls, his kingdom falls to ruin. Far away, in modern day Washington DC, Harper plays lookout for her brother. When she sees a woman in danger, she rushes to help - only to be sucked into Rhen's cursed world. What begins as a fairy tale twist unfurls into an epic tale of magic, danger, love and betrayal in Brigid Kemmerer's New York Times bestselling Cursebreaker series, as brother fights brother to claim the throne of Emberfall and save the kingdom once and for all. Now, for the first time, explore Emberfall and fall in love with Harper, Rhen, Grey and Lia Mara in one convenient eBook collection. This collection contains: A Curse So Dark and Lonely A Heart So Fierce and Broken A Vow So Bold and Deadly If you're hungry for more Brigid Kemmerer, don't miss her next blockbuster fantasy series, Defy the Night, coming this autumn.

Download or read book Thicker Than Water written by Brigid Kemmerer and published by Kensington. This book was released on 2015-12-29 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Kemmerer will melt your heart and blow your mind." --#1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout On his own Thomas Bellweather hasn't been in town long. Just long enough for his newlywed mother to be murdered, and for his new stepdad's cop colleagues to decide Thomas is the primary suspect. Not that there's any evidence. But before Thomas got to Frederick there had only been one other murder in twenty years. The only person who believes him is Charlotte Rooker, little sister to three cops and, with her soft hands and sweet curves, straight-up dangerous to Thomas. Her friend was the other murder vic. And she’d like a couple answers….Answers that could get them both killed, and reveal a truth Thomas would die to keep hidden. The more they dig, the more it seems the only way they'll hear the real story is from the source--the killer. Not the kind of future plan a college recruiter likes to hear. But then, the better it works, the less likely either of them is going to have a future. . .

Download or read book Midnight for a Curse written by E J Kitchens and published by . This book was released on 2020-06-14 with total page 230 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Even a Useful Curse Must EndBelinda Lambton knows a curse when she sees one. She also knows the wisdom of agreeing with a powerful enchantress. So when she inadvertently gets mixed up with a cursed Beast and his enchantress, she finds herself tasked with the role of Curse Breaker. That's not an easy position, for Beast has reasons of his own to keep his curse. There's also someone else determined to break it by whatever means possible and claim Beast for herself, and she doesn't take competition well. With wit, clean romance, and a touch of danger, Midnight for a Curse is a retelling of the beloved Beauty and the Beast tale.

Download or read book Curse Breaker Books 1 3 written by Melinda Kucsera and published by Melinda Kucsera. This book was released on with total page 1145 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Curse Breaker Books 1-3 features the first three books of the Curse Breaker Series in one action-packed book. Curse Breaker Enchanted Sarn wants to be like everyone else, not a mage with a power he can barely control. But he must hide his magic in a country run by a group that wants to destroy all magic. But that magic comes in handy when he wakes up far from home with only his cloak to protect him from monsters and murderous trees. How will Sarn return home in time and unravel the dark conspiracy that’s destroying it before his son pays the ultimate price? Curse Breaker Darkens When a disembodied voice warns him that a demon is after his mage, Jerlo sets off to find the man who could summon it. He swore an unbreakable oath to protect Sarn, no matter the cost. In a country run by a group that wants to destroy all magic, mages and demons shouldn’t exist. But they do, and Jerlo’s in a fight, not just for his life but for his soul. Even if he risks both, how will he save Sarn without magic? Curse Breaker Faceted Sarn spies on the men responsible for his best friend's death with his young son in tow. And those men are hunting for magic-stealing rocks to fuel a zealot's quest. When their greed leads them into a forbidden cavern, they release an ancient monster, and it's hungry for a certain mage and his son. Who will survive the dark terror lurking under the mountain? Curse Breaker Books 1-3 contains the first three books of the Curse Breaker Series: Curse Breaker Enchanted, Curse Breaker Darkens, and Curse Breaker Faceted. It’s an epic fantasy adventure starring a loving father, his young son, and the people and monsters that dwell in an immersive world of intrigue and adventure. Get Curse Breaker Books 1-3 now! KEYWORDS: epic fantasy, fantasy adventure, sword & sorcery, boxed set, reluctant hero, mage, wizard, sorcerer, magic, enchanted forest, high fantasy, friendship, found family, single parent, journey, demon, ghost, magic lessons, apprentice, secrets, crush, happy for now, action adventure, good vs evil, betrayal, strong women, dragon obsession, rangers, friends to enemies, indentured, enchantress, queens and royalty, nobility, monster fights, demon battle, kidnapped, left for dead, tricked, the monster awakes, hero's journey, rise of the villain, wrong place, wrong time, dark crystal, dark magic, conspiracy, haunted castle, demon summoners, crimes against magic, Young Adult, fantasy, full length novel, Dangerous, prophecy, chosen one, come into powers, YA epic fantasy, YA fantasy, teen fantasy, black humor, anger, dark, twisty, Adult fantasy, adult epic fantasy, omnibus. Readers also enjoyed books by Robert Jordon, Mercedes Lackey, Nicholas Eames, Will Wight, Brandon Sanderson, Andrzej Sapkowski, J.R.R. Tolkien, Robin Hobb, Anne McCaffrey, Terry Brooks, Morgan Rice, Jonathan Moeller, Melissa Caruso, Terry Pratchet, N. K. Jemisin, Kevin J. Anderson, Jenn Lyons, David Gaider, Myke Cole, Brian McClellan, John Marco, Michael A. Stackpole, George R. R. Martin, Brent Weeks, A. K. Larkwood, Michelle Sagara

Download or read book A Spot of Trouble written by Teri Wilson and published by Sourcebooks, Inc.. This book was released on 2021-09-07 with total page 220 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Named by Reader's Digest as one of the Best Romances of ALL TIME Get ready to laugh out loud with this hilarious romantic comedy featuring: A grumpy firefighter who thinks his way is the only way A bubbly cupcake vendor who thinks her pup can do no wrong Adorable Dalmatians who swap places—and the chaos that ensues An opposites-attract romance that'll warm your heart Violet March and Sam Nash are as different as night and day and have been enemies ever since Violet accused Sam of dognapping her beloved Dalmatian. Sam knows that would never happen—his well-trained fire safety demonstration dog never steps out of line, whereas Violet's problematic pooch has never met a command she didn't ignore completely, much like her bubbly owner. So when Sprinkles and Cinder accidentally switch places during the annual police vs. fire department softball tournament, Violet is thrilled by her dog's sudden perfect behavior, while stubborn-yet-charming Sam is horrified to find that his dog no longer listens. But when they eventually realize and switch the dogs back, Sam and Violet are shocked to find that not everything is as simple as it seems. And a little puppy love might be just the thing they've been missing... Praise for Teri Wilson: "Teri Wilson is the Queen of Romantic Comedy."—Sarah Morgan, USA Today bestselling author "A preposterous premise [turned] into delightfully escapist fun."—Kirkus Reviews for The Accidental Beauty Queen "A delightful romp."—Library Journal Starred Review for Royally Roma

Download or read book Curse Breaker written by Audrey Grey and published by . This book was released on 2019-08-12 with total page 380 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Haven survived the Devourers, but she isn't any closer to saving Bell. Meanwhile, her forbidden powers rage stronger than ever. Caught in a whirlwind of romance, bravery, and deception, she must prove herself every step of the way as she and her friends plunge deeper into the Shade Queen's lands. But will it be enough to break the curse?

Download or read book Curse Breaker written by Karina Espinosa and published by . This book was released on 2019-08-13 with total page 238 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: One Vampire. One cure.To save her life, Mackenzie had no choice but to turn Amy into a vampire. Wrought with guilt over it, Kenz searched throughout the supernatural world and found the impossible-a cure to vampirism.Now, led by the villainous Elders, members of the vampire community are creeping from the shadows, united by their determination to claim the elusive cure. As the future Queen of the Lycans, Kenz finds herself tangled in the web of an impending uprising and left with only one choice... run.Can Kenz return Amy's mortality? Or will she lose her best friend to the crushing Nosferatu curse?

Download or read book Forging Silver Into Stars written by Brigid Kemmerer and published by Bloomsbury Publishing. This book was released on 2022-05 with total page 563 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: _______________Rediscover the worlds of Emberfall and Syhl Shallow in this irresistible return to Brigid Kemmerer's New York Times bestselling Cursebreaker series._______________Tycho of Rillisk has been a lot of things: son and brother, stablehand, prisoner, soldier and friend to the king. Now, four years after Grey took the throne of Emberfall, Tycho has taken on a new role: courier and spy. As the only person the king can trust, Tycho carries secret messages back and forth between the kingdoms of Emberfall and Syhl Shallow.But even though the war is over, peace still seems far away. A dangerous anti-magical faction is rising, and when Tycho discovers a plot to assassinate Grey and Queen Lia Mara, ruler of Syhl Shallow, he must fight for everything he believes in.Nothing here is as it seems, and after a devastating betrayal, it becomes clear that the danger is only just beginning ...

Download or read book Curse Breaker Books 1 3 written by Melinda Kucsera and published by . This book was released on 2022-01-03 with total page 686 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Curse Breaker Books 1-3 features the first three books of the Curse Breaker Series in one action-packed book. Curse Breaker Enchanted Sarn wants to be like everyone else, not a mage with a power he can barely control. But he must hide his magic in a country run by a group that wants to destroy all magic. But that magic comes in handy when he wakes up far from home with only his cloak to protect him from monsters and murderous trees. How will Sarn return home in time and unravel the dark conspiracy that's destroying it before his son pays the ultimate price? Curse Breaker Darkens When a disembodied voice warns him that a demon is after his mage, Jerlo sets off to find the man who could summon it. He swore an unbreakable oath to protect Sarn, no matter the cost. In a country run by a group that wants to destroy all magic, mages and demons shouldn't exist. But they do, and Jerlo's in a fight, not just for his life but for his soul. Even if he risks both, how will he save Sarn without magic? Curse Breaker Faceted Sarn spies on the men responsible for his best friend's death with his young son in tow. And those men are hunting for magic-stealing rocks to fuel a zealot's quest. When their greed leads them into a forbidden cavern, they release an ancient monster, and it's hungry for a certain mage and his son. Who will survive the dark terror lurking under the mountain? Curse Breaker Books 1-3 contains the first three books of the Curse Breaker Series: Curse Breaker Enchanted, Curse Breaker Darkens, and Curse Breaker Faceted. It's an epic fantasy adventure starring a loving father, his young son, and the people and monsters that dwell in an immersive world of intrigue and adventure. Get Curse Breaker Books 1-3 now if you love found family, reluctant heroes, and magical mayhem, then this is the book for you!

Download or read book More Than We Can Tell written by Brigid Kemmerer and published by Bloomsbury Publishing USA. This book was released on 2018-03-06 with total page 435 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: * "Give to teens who enjoyed . . . The Perks of Being a Wallflower." - School Library Journal, starred review New York Times bestselling author Brigid Kemmerer pens a new must-read story of two teens struggling under the burden of secrets, and the love that sets them free. With loving adoptive parents by his side, Rev Fletcher has managed to keep the demons of his past at bay. . . until he gets a letter from his abusive father and the trauma of his childhood comes hurtling back. Emma Blue's parents are constantly fighting, and her only escape is the computer game she built from scratch. But when a cruel online troll's harassment escalates, she not only loses confidence but starts to fear for her safety. When Rev and Emma meet, they're both longing to lift the burden of their secrets. They connect instantly and deeply, promising to help each other no matter what. But soon Rev and Emma's secrets threaten to crush them, and they'll need more than a promise to find their way out.

Download or read book Curse Breaker Books 1 9 written by Melinda Kucsera and published by Melinda Kucsera. This book was released on with total page 3997 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In a world where magic is forbidden, Sarn spent two decades concealing his abilities from the Seekers of Truth, just to stay alive. But when monsters threaten his underground city and put his son in danger, Sarn must embrace his power, even if it means risking his own life. Thus begins an extraordinary journey of self-discovery, as Sarn sheds his reluctance and embarks on a quest to harness his magical abilities to battle monsters, ancient evil beings, and cursed objects and elude those who want to destroy him just because he’s a mage. As Sarn embraces his destiny, he evolves from a reluctant outcast to a formidable mage. But along the way, he faces a daunting challenge—how can he earn the trust of his own magic, which has grown resentful of him? Without its cooperation, he can’t shield his son. Is his magic truly sentient, or is Sarn merely imagining its whispers? As Sarn races to unlock the truth, he learns why no mages in the past had access to two different types of magic. But his magic also hates his predicament. Bound by oppressive servitude and entangled in unbreakable promises, Sarn must confront the harsh realities he’s long ignored to reclaim his freedom and protect his family. But he may have waited too long. When his secret son vanishes, he teeters on the edge of losing everything. Determined to locate his missing son, Sarn will do whatever it takes—except expose the boy’s existence, which could cost him not only his son but also the chance for a safe place they can finally call home. In this heart-pounding nine-book omnibus, immerse yourself in a thrilling saga that forces Sarn to unleash his hidden powers, battle relentless monsters, and confront the oppressive forces that threaten his family. Will he overcome the odds, unravel the secrets of his own magic, and forge a brighter future? Find out as you join Sarn on an unforgettable adventure of danger, redemption, and the true meaning of family. Curse Breaker Books 1-9 includes nine full-length epic fantasy adventures: Curse Breaker Enchanted, Curse Breaker Darkens, Curse Breaker Faceted, Curse Breaker Falls, Curse Breaker Sundered, Curse Breaker Hidden, Curse Breaker Fallout, Curse Breaker Trapped, and Curse Breaker Revealed.

Download or read book Curse Breaker Books 1 6 written by Melinda Kucsera and published by Melinda Kucsera. This book was released on with total page 2186 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A reluctant hero must rise or fall to the darkness claiming his home, his soul, and his family in this six-book set. The dark lord is coming, but Sarn's not facing him alone. With his son by his side and an enchanted forest at his back, it'll take all his magic to defend them against monsters and an ancient evil entity that wants to enslave all. Start the epic adventure now! Curse Breaker Books 1-6 features: Curse Breaker Enchanted Sarn wants to be like everyone else, not a mage with a power he can barely control. But he must hide his magic in a country run by people who want to destroy all magic. But that magic comes in handy when he wakes up far from home with only his cloak to protect him from monsters and murderous trees. How will Sarn return home in time and unravel the dark conspiracy that’s destroying it before his son pays the ultimate price? Curse Breaker Darkens When a disembodied voice warns him that a demon is after his mage, Jerlo sets off to find the man who could summon it. He swore an unbreakable oath to protect Sarn, no matter the cost. In a country run by a group that wants to destroy all magic, mages and demons shouldn’t exist. But they do, and Jerlo’s in a fight, not just for his life but for his soul. Even if he risks both, how will he save Sarn without magic? Curse Breaker Faceted Sarn spies on the men responsible for his best friend's death with his young son in tow. And those men are hunting for magic-stealing rocks to fuel a zealot's quest. When their greed leads them into a forbidden cavern, they release an ancient monster, and it's hungry for a certain mage and his son. Who will survive the dark terror lurking under the mountain? Curse Breaker Falls Sarn must face down a legendary evil with only a ragtag bunch of reluctant magical constructs at his side. If he fails, Shayari will fall, and the Adversary will add an unstoppable monster to his ranks. But doubts assail Sarn. He might not be the hero their world needs. In a world where magic is powered by belief, such doubts can have lethal consequences. Will Sarn rise as a hero or fall into darkness, bound to the dark lord he’s fighting? Curse Breaker Sundered Two conflicting promises bind Sarn, even though a monster’s chasing him and an evil entity wants his soul. Sarn must keep both promises or die trying because those promises won’t let him break them, not even to save the son he adores. With the mountain falling down around them and no exit in sight, can Sarn and his son prevail without magic to help them? Curse Breaker Hidden To defeat the ancient monster destroying his home, Sarn must regain the rest of his magic. But unlocking that power won’t be easy with a concussion and an evil entity on the prowl. The dark lord wants his soul, and he'll cheat to get it. But that won’t matter if a priestess destroys their queen and the enchanted forest that protects their home. A country can’t stand without its queen. How will it survive if its last mage falls? Find out in Curse Breaker Books 1-6. Scroll up to get it now if you like dragons, found family, monsters of unusual size, enchanted trees, mind-talking creatures, reluctant heroes, warrior angels, demons, magic, and humor. Keywords: epic fantasy, fantasy adventure, sword & sorcery, boxed set, reluctant hero, mage, wizard, sorcerer, magic, enchanted forest, high fantasy, friendship, found family, single parent, journey, demon, ghost, magic lessons, apprentice, secrets, crush, happy for now, action adventure, good vs evil, betrayal, strong women, dragon obsession, rangers, friends to enemies, indentured, enchantress, queens and royalty, nobility, monster fights, demon battle, kidnapped, left for dead, tricked, the monster awakes, hero's journey, rise of the villain, wrong place, wrong time, dark crystal, dark magic, conspiracy, haunted castle, demon summoners, crimes against magic, Young Adult, fantasy, full length novel, Dangerous, prophecy, chosen one, come into powers, YA epic fantasy, YA fantasy, teen fantasy, black humor, anger, dark, twisty, Adult fantasy, adult epic fantasy, omnibus, dark lord. Readers also enjoyed books by Robert Jordon, Mercedes Lackey, Nicholas Eames, Will Wight, Brandon Sanderson, Andrzej Sapkowski, J.R.R. Tolkien, Robin Hobb, Anne McCaffrey, Terry Brooks, Morgan Rice, Jonathan Moeller, Melissa Caruso, Terry Pratchet, N. K. Jemisin, Kevin J. Anderson, Jenn Lyons, David Gaider, Myke Cole, Brian McClellan, John Marco, Michael A. Stackpole, George R. R. Martin, Brent Weeks, A. K. Larkwood, Michelle Sagara

Download or read book GOD S PONZI written by ROBERT. BUSCHEL and published by . This book was released on 2022 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Download or read book Scales written by Alydia Rackham and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2016-01-17 with total page 242 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Princess Eleanora is very different from her younger sister, Oralia. While Oralia is golden-haired, sprightly and adored by all the men of the kingdom, Eleanora is ebony-haired and dark-eyed, and even-keeled. Wandering musician Amber of the Lute glimpses that difference right away-and his laughter and color bring out a sparkle in Eleanora. But this arouses vicious jealousy in Oralia, who acquires and casts a terrible spell on her sister-one that twists both the body and the mind. A spell that can only be broken by one who can see into Eleanora's heart, and love her enough to set her free. Excerpt from Chapter Nine: "All the way across the roof, near the foot of the opposite tower, stood a person. Full in the waning white moonlight. Her face tilted toward the shrouded sky. The light shimmered against her smooth, fine scales, making them look like liquid silver, and it softened the slender curves of her body. The fans near her face had calmed, and rested against the sides of her neck. Her large eyes reflected a luminous shine as she gazed, unblinking, at the moon. Watching it withdraw behind the clouds. The black shadow of the tower fell across her long, sweeping tail. Thus, from where Amber stood, he could have mistaken her for a pale young woman dressed in blues and whites. Except for the bearing of her features. Her gaze-vacant. Barren as a waterless sea. Her mouth-incapable of speech, of smiling or frowning. Her expression blank, and immovable. She stared, without pondering. No thought lived behind those eyes, or flickered at the corners of those lips. A silver serpent. Still and silent as ice. Inhuman as stone." Reader Review from Patreon: "The subtlety here is wonderful - nothing seems overdone and like any good fairytale, the familiar elements allow us to take a shortcut to the core of the story. We're all familiar with jealous suitors and jealous siblings and handsome men with flashing blue eyes, but from poor Ailse to Amber (who listens better than he claims to), you can feel a sort of presence underneath their actions... something that is thinking very fast to reconcile the past and the future and move the people around them to the right places. Of course Oralia is the shining example here, pushing off her suitors on her sister when she doesn't want them and picking them up again when she needs to make someone jealous, but what is she really after? She surely knows the obstacles to marrying a minstrel, and she of all people seems likely to go after power, not talent. Sir Roderick thinks he knows how to drive Amber away from Oralia and have her to himself, but does he understand how Oralia works at all? And then there's Ele, and somehow by being her quiet, reserved self she manages to have a good old time in her simple dress with her enchanting minstrel friend. I was expecting her to be at the center of some sort of disaster at the feast, but she knows herself and her sister too well for that. I'm also impressed by her mother's choice to let her have her independence and not force her to play to her sister's whims. This whole cast looks to be a shade quicker on the uptake than your average fantasy court - another thing I always liked about the old fairytales. I can't wait to meet the witches and see these clever people put to the test!" -Melissa