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An ARC copy of this book was provided to me in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts are my own.
MY REVIEW:
In The Unseelie King’s Rebel we’re introduced to Bronwyn, a 19-year old acolyte of the Star Goddess. She joined the temple services back when she was 15 after a failed marriage attempt left her wanting to hide away from relationships. But as time went on, the temple became a place of torture rather than the solace she was looking for. Now her drive to see the world is taking her outside of her comfort zone as she seeks new ways to try and escape. Bronwyn is also discovering that she has an innate power and ability that she was never aware of. This is part of the reason she’s treating so terribly by the Temple Mother and watched more closely than the other acolytes.
This fantasy romance includes lots of elements I love including a confident shifter Fae king that she befriends and falls for. But the story seemed a little slow for how much background was being presented. This is the second book of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. I haven’t read the other one, so it’s possible that some of the supporting details I felt were missing from this one, actually appeared in the other book. However, the world that Alisha creates was wonderful to explore and left me intrigued to learn even more about this world. Specifically the history of the Star Goddess and the times of old when she was alive.
Bronwyn’s character seemed a little too simple minded in her outlook on the world considering her own experiences, but part of that whimsical nature of hers made her fun to explore. She just always seemed a little too doe-eyed for my taste and never really felt concerned about her own safety. Toren on the other hand, the Unseelie Fae King, was a lot more interesting! True to his character traits of being a little on the rough side and blatantly honest in everything he says, he was a joy in this story.
Their adventure takes them from the human realm into the Unseelie realm and Alisha does an amazing job of describing the differences between then, allowing your mind to wander and envision the magical world they travel to. Filled with plenty of mystery and attraction, I really enjoyed this one!
GET IT HERE:
Perfect for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses and The Cruel Prince, this fantasy romance standalone about an Unseelie Fae king and a human dancer will keep you turning pages into the night…
Bronwyn is desperate to escape.
After four years trapped in a temple watching the world pass her by and suffering at the hand of her cruel House Mother, temple dancer Bronwyn is willing to risk entering the Seelie Fae forest and dealing with whatever monsters lie within to experience the wondrous realm beyond the Veil. At least, she thinks she’s up to the challenge until she’s face-to-face with the silver-eyed, claw-fingered king of the Unseelie.
And he has a bargain for her.
King Toren must return home to his people. But he needs a willing soul to invite him past the temple wards so he can reach a forgotten portal. So when a human female with absolutely no worldly knowledge comes tumbling into his life, it’s almost too easy. Or, it would be, if she weren’t watched day and night. And if the stakes of losing weren’t quite so high.
This dangerous alliance might just be the only way out for both of them, if it doesn’t get them killed first.
***This book is upper YA/NA and includes mature situations. The romance includes mild spice on the page.
The Unseelie King’s Rebel, a fantasy romance standalone set in the Realm of Dragons and Fae world, will thrill readers of Tessonja Odette’s Entangled with Fae series and Elise Kova’s Married to Magic series. If you like cozy fantasy (albeit with some fantasy violence and a bit higher stakes), romantic fantasy, dragons, Fae, and happily ever after endings, you’ll love The Unseelie King’s Rebel. Start reading today and enter a lush world of magic…
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
When USA Today Bestselling author Alisha Klapheke isn’t busy writing, she teaches martial arts and travels the world. She also writes paranormal romance and urban fantasy under the pen name Eve A. Hunt.
*Alisha made the USA Today list November 2, 2017
Author Q and A with Alisha
What is your favorite thing about writing?
Hm. Probably researching history for inspiration and crafting new cultures that echo what it is to be a human within varying settings.
What are your favorite fantasy and paranormal authors?
There are so many! I love Tamora Pierce, Leigh Bardugo, Sabaa Tahir, Kristin Cashore, Mercedes Lackey, Juliet Marillier, Deborah Harkness, Diana Gabaldon, JRR Tolkien, Maggie Stiefvater, Cassandra Clare, George RR Martin (but I could do without some of the roughest parts), and Sarah J Maas.
What has helped you so far on your journey as an author?
I joined my local RWA and SCBWI groups and met friends that have taught me, laughed with me, and cried with me. You really can’t do this job alone. Not if you want to remain sane. Also, my husband and family are super supportive. It takes a long time to develop writing skills and they had my back the entire time. My husband has the patience of a saint. Seriously, I might put him up for that.
Do you have any advice for writers just starting out?
Grow skin on level with your average Nile crocodile. You are going to get hit in the metaphorical face often. Hard. But if you can get over yourself, you’ll learn from it. Stay humble. Keep on trucking. Take a day off and travel sometimes. You must fill the tank to do this. Sorry for two vehicle-related metaphors in the same answer. My b.
Adventures in Literature 