Welcome to my tour stop for Minstrel’s Serenade by Aubrie Dionne! This is an epic fantasy romance published by Lyrical Kensington. This is a review only tour that runs December 8-12th. Check out the tour page for the full schedule.
About the Book:
Minstrel’s Serenade, 257 pages
He’s sworn to protect her, but can he save her from himself?
Danika Rubystone has hated the minstrels ever since her mother ran away with one. As Princess, she’s duty bound to marry Valorian, a minstrel from the House of Song. But problems in the kingdom are mounting. With her father dead she’s the sole heir to an imperiled throne, and wyverns attack Ebonvale’s southern shores. But after Danika finds a lone survivor of a wyvern’s attack who holds the key to protecting the kingdom and she finally meets the enchantingly sly Valorian, everything changes.
As Ebonvale’s Royal Guard sails with the minstrels to smite the uprising of wyverns, Danika dances a line between sticking by duty like her father, or following her wild heart like her mother.
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About the Author:
Aubrie Dionne is an author and flutist in New England. Her books have received the highest ratings from Romance Times Magazine, as well as Night Owl Reviews and Two Lips Reviews. She has guest blogged on the USA Today Happily Ever After Blog and the Dear Teen Me blog and signed books at the Boston Book Festival, Barnes and Noble, and the Romance Writers of America conference. Her writings have appeared in Mindflights, Niteblade, Silver Blade, Emerald Tales, Hazard Cat, Moon Drenched Fables, A Fly in Amber, and Aurora Wolf. Her books are published by Astraea Press, Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Publishing, Inkspell Publishing, Lyrical Press, and Gypsy Shadow Publishing. When she’s not writing, Aubrie teaches flute and plays in orchestras.Website | Blog | Twitter
I went into this with caution, knowing that I more than likely wasn't going to understand everything but was hoping that nonetheless, I would still get a great story and I am happy to say that I did get a great story and, more importantly, I wasn't lost at all.
Dionne did a fabulous job with the world building. While there was a lot of learn and remember it was all laid out and told beautifully.
More than anything this was a story about a young woman thrown into leadership, coming into her own and going after what she wants, whether that is acceptable to others or not.
I am a sucker for forbidden romances and star crossed lovers and it didn't take me long at all to get through this and enjoy it.
Overall this was a fantastic story that I think any lover of high fantasy and romance, will truly have fun with.
Giveaway:
A Dragon's Egg Pendant (US)
Ends 12/17/14
I typically like high fantasy, and I'm glad to hear the worldbuilding and romance were well done. I'll have to check this one out!
ReplyDeleteIf you love high fantasy then you will really like this. :D
DeleteI'm the same way with fantasy, except high fantasy tends to bore me. However, I've been getting into it more lately. This sounds like it's a fun one.
ReplyDeleteIt can be a tricky genre.
DeleteI use to feel the same way with fantasy. But as long as the author doesn't get too convoluted with the characters, it can be enjoyable. Happy this one was pretty good.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean exactly, thanks Jennifer!
DeleteI don't mind the occasional Fantasy title, but I tend to stay away from books that fall into the High category. They are too wordy for me, but this novel's love story is tempting...
ReplyDeleteCarmel @ Rabid Reads
THe love story is great. ;)
DeleteI always hesitate a touch with epic fantasy as well Ali, I worry about the same thing - that I'll be lost in the world. So glad that wasn't the case here! Like you, I'm a huge fan of forbidden romances, so this definitely sounds like something I'll enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI bet you would like it too then Jenny. :)
DeleteI'm a big fan of fantasy, especially when the world building is well done. Great review!
ReplyDeleteThanks Megan, I think you will like this one. :)
DeleteForbidden romance and high fantasy? I'm intrigued for sure and I especially like that the world building isn't confusing.
ReplyDeleteLovely review, Ali!
I'm not sure if my comment went through... If not, thank you for hosting a tour stop! I'm glad you enjoyed this for the most part!
ReplyDeleteThanks Candace!
DeleteIt is a great giveaway, so pretty!
ReplyDeleteThe story sounds great Romance and Fantasy! Thanks for this Giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it!
DeleteI enjoy high fantasy, and love that the heroine is so strong..yeah forbidden romance can be sweet :)
ReplyDeleteI am a sucker for these type of romances as well.
DeleteI don't read a lot of high fantasy but I'm trying to expand into new genres and this sounds fantastic! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Erin! :D
DeleteI'm not so sure about the storyline but this cover is to die for :)
ReplyDeleteIt is a nice cover. :)
DeleteI'm glad you weren't so lost in the end but not sure it's for me. Fantasy is tricky for me.
ReplyDeleteI understand since it is for me as well usually. ;)
DeleteI've read one of her YA books before, and I did enjoy it. Not sure if I would be too crazy about this one, but it does sound pretty good. Nice review!!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know she had a YA book out as well, I will have to check it out. :)
DeleteThis book looks so good! I'm glad you weren't confused either. The world sounds awesome, I like the Wyvern thing. Yes, I LOVE forbidden romances! Okay, I want this now.
ReplyDelete:p Yay! I hope you do end up reading and loving it Molly!
DeleteI'm loving this cover and the name Valorian conjures up all kinds of swooniness, lol. I have no problem with epic fantasy romance, and this is a new one to me *looks at one-click* and the pendant is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win : )
The pendant is gorgeous! I hope you try this Kim. :)
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