Braving Fate (The Mythean Arcana, #1)

by Linsey Hall

• ISBN10: 194208501X
• ISBN13: 9781942085010
• Publish Date: 8 November 2014
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Bonnie Doon Press
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 344
• Language: English

Reviews

[kimbacaffeinate]

I read a delicious review over at One Curvy Blogger and the author saw my interest. She was kind enough to send me a copy. I am so glad that she did. I have been on a bit of an UF/paranormal romance kick of late and Braving Fate really hit the spot. Fantastic characters, interesting world-building and a fast pace had me quickly lost within the pages.

The world: I love secret societies, especially those designed to protect us mere humans. In Edinburgh, Scotland there is a secret race known as the Mytheans. Here they have a university hidden from humans. Hello Hogwarts or Xavier's School? Hall does a lovely job of explaining the society its hierarchy and mission. I want to get lost in their library.

The characters: When he was human, Mythean Guardian, Cadan Trinovante, loved and betrayed Boudica, Britain’s warrior queen. History Professor Diana Laughton begins having strange dreams and when a monster tries to kill her she feels an overwhelming need to travel to Scotland. Cadan learns he has a new assignment to protect a reincarnated woman who must complete the task that has awaken her. He finds that Diana is Boudica. Yum...second chance romance, wicked banter, anger, lust...oh yeah.

The romance: I adore second chance romances and immediately wanted Cadan to get his happily ever after. Hall created chemistry and allowed me to feel his internal struggle over Diana and awakening Boudica’s memories. Diana is strong and handles the information thrown at her surprising well. Hall built up the tension between them, allowed Cadan growth and brought some deliciously wicked heat. Get the fans out ladies. Cadan will make you swoon. I became totally vested in the couple and embraced all the feels.

The plot: Hall chose to tell the story of Queen Boudica and I adored her version of this mighty female warrior. Hall has an interesting take on resurrection and I found it quite clever. Diana must regain Boudica’s memories and figure out what task has been fated to her. It looks like each book will focus on one couple and an assignment giving us a complete romance and storyline. We see a romance developing between secondary characters and I cannot wait for more.

Copy provided by author This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[stacey_is_sassy]

I wanted more...

I enjoyed this book, but there were too many times I was distracted by the ticking of the clock or a car driving down the street. When I'm reading a good book, that does not happen.

It dragged at the beginning. I really didn't get interested until she recovered her memory and that was past the halfway point. I just didn't feel the connection between the main characters.

Before I read this book I had read some reviews and they talked about the hero being too possessive. Too possessive...is there such a thing? In this case, yes. Camden wasn't possessive, he was a control freak. He took away most of her choices and decided what was best for her. That is not a desirable trait in a hero.

There were some hot and sexy scenes but Caden's reasons for waiting seemed a little silly and selfish.

No editing or grammar issues that I could see.

This story had some original and interesting ideas. I liked Warren and Esha and I may go on in the series just to see if they get together.