Title-Defiance
Series-
The Priestess Trilogy # 1
By-
Melissa Sasina
Genre- Fantasy/Romance
Blurb-
Shiovra
has been named High Priestess of the village Tara, but she quickly finds
herself hunted by the Milidh, a clan born of war and vengeance. With the safety
of Tara at stake, it is decided that she is to seek aid from her betrothed, one
she considers the enemy. At her side is Odhrán, a Milidh warrior sworn to
protect her and determined to gain her trust. But their journey is fraught with
peril and Shiovra learns that darkness lurks in the hearts of her own kin.
Steeped in ancient Irish myth, this tale is spun of love, war, and DEFIANCE.
My Review: Defiance captivated me with it's beautiful cover and the blurb had my mind in a flurry of mystery and a need of finding what laid in wait on the pages in between. I am a big fan of historical genre and fantasy and Defiance and no shortage of either one! This story is so captivating and beautiful. Defiance wrapped me in ancient Irish myth and I could not have asked for anything better. Shiovra was a strong, responsible character I really admired her strength and dedication to becoming the High Priestess. Odhran he is sworn to protect Shiovra and he takes his duty very seriously but deep down he wants Shiovra to trust him. As this tale is spun an darkness lurks in those that are bent on stopping Shiovra. Wars will rage and love may be what conquers all.
I am looking forward to discovering what Melissa Sasina has in store for the rest of this series.
5/5
Links-
Goodreads-
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16003685-defiance
Title-
Betrayal
Series-
The Priestess Trilogy # 2
By-
Melissa Sasina
Genre-
Fantasy/ Romance
Blurb-
Shiovra,
High Priestess of the village Tara, is set to wed one considered the enemy for
the sake of her clan. Torn between her heart and her people, between love and
duty, Shiovra decides her fate and faces the truth about Odhrán. Still hunted
by both the Milidh clan and her own kin, she learns that not all enemies are
quite what they seem. Loyalty is brought into question and power lost within
enemy ranks in what shall ultimately lead to one thing: BETRAYAL.
My Review: Oh how the plot thickens when you add deceit betrayal. Who can Shiovra really trust and is the enemy really the enemy. As Shiovra sets out to decide between love and the duty of the High Priestess she realizes that some things are not as they seem and not all have her best interest at heart. As this story wove it's way through my head and heart the more involved I became. Odhran at this point has my heart Shiovra's as well. Though Shiovra is betrothed to another as she sets out on the journey to her betrothed trusts come into question as do identities. Some have some explaining to do and some will lurk in the darkness of betrayal.
I am enjoying Melissa Sasina's writing style and that she stays true to the word play that is true to the time era. This series is turning out to be a big winner for me. I'm not sure what awaits me in the next book but I am excited to find out!
5/5
Links-
Title-
Eclipse
Series-
The Priestess Trilogy # 3
By-
Melissa Sasina
Genre-
Fantasy/ Romance
Blurb-
Tensions
escalate between two clans, threatening their fragile peace. On one side stand
the Túath, on the other the Milidh. The prize: control of the land of Éire. Yet
amidst this brewing conflict, another more dangerous threat looms. The village
of Tara is ripped apart, not by war, but by the seed of betrayal as the
priestess' own kinswoman, Gráinne, conspires to seize control. Enemies shall
become allies and Shiovra is faced with a difficult choice, one that will
ultimately engulf her world in an irreversible ECLIPSE!
My Review: I became entranced by Eclipse. I have fallen deeper into the web of a story that has been spun. Watching Shiovra grow into a beautiful, strong, and powerful High Priestess has been awesome. Just as I thought things were finally going to be ok a darkness looms, war threatens to break out, and a betrayal so great comes at the hand of Shiovra's own kin. Answers don't come easy for Shiovra as choices are still left to be made.
I am so fascinated with this series and am so glad I got the chance to read this series. Melissa Sasina has captured the essence of the language of an era and that of a High Priestess on the pages of this series. I fell into a true fantasy with a touch of history. Thank you Melissa Sasina for giving your readers a fantastic escape.
5/5
Links-
Excerpt
From Betrayal-
Subtle movement caught
Odhrán’s attention; the muffled snap of a branch followed by the slight rustle
of brush. He was not alone in his hunt. Ducking behind a tree, Odhrán drew his
sword and listened once more. The movement came from his left. Slipping silently
from one tree to the next, he followed the subtle sounds until he came up
behind a man who walked slowly with bow and arrow ready in hand.
Moving swiftly, Odhrán slipped out from behind a tree and
brought his sword up to tap the man on the shoulder with the flat of the blade.
The man stilled suddenly, dropping the bow and arrow before
slowly bringing his hands up.
Odhrán shifted his hold on the sword, bringing the blade toward
the man’s neck. “You are losing your touch, Kieran of the Neimidh,” he said, a
grin twisting the corners of his lips.
“And you are as dangerous as ever, Odhrán,” replied the man with
a strained chuckle.
Stepping around the man, Odhrán lowered his sword. “What brings
you to Dún Fiáin?” he asked, returning his blade to its sheath before bending
and returning Kieran’s bow and arrow.
Kieran ran a swarthy hand through his dark brown curls, his face
weary. “Not to exchange pleasantries, I am afraid,” he replied, looking around.
“Might we speak?”
Odhrán shook his head. “Not here,” he told the Neimidh man, eyes
searching the trees around them. “Much has happened since our departure from
Tara. There are hidden eyes in these woods.”
Kieran did not question his words, only nodded.
Glancing up into the tree branches high above his head, Odhrán
added, “Eyes who have gone too easily unnoticed.”
About the Author-
Born in
1982 in Cleveland, Ohio, Melissa has always been an avid lover of fantasy. In
her youth she would write short stories and add artwork to them. While in high
school, she decided to change her career path from graphic art to writing,
though she still enjoys drawing up a random picture or two, usually of her
characters. During her younger school years, she won a Young Authors Honorable
Mention for a short story she had written. She has also won a few Visual Arts
awards during her school years and upon graduation from High School, she was
given a President’s award for Outstanding Academic Achievement. The first book
she began to write seriously for publication was The Priestess. Completed in
2008, the book was separated into a trilogy and published in 2010. After
undergoing heavy revisions, the trilogy was re-released beginning in 2012 and
completed in 2015. Melissa still lives in Ohio with her husband, son, cat
Trinity, and ferret Rope.
Social Media Links-
J.C. Reed is the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of SURRENDER YOUR LOVE and CONQUER YOUR LOVE. She writes steamy contemporary fiction with a touch of mystery. When she's not typing away on her keyboard, forgetting the world around her, she dreams of returning to the beautiful mountains of Wyoming. You can also find her chatting on Facebook with her readers or spending time with her children.
