This was one of the few truly historical romances that I have read, and based on previous experiences I expected to find a lack of real character development, lots of sex/passionate embraces, and the historical aspect only as the setting. Well, I was truly surprised with this novel, even though the 274 pages felt like 500.

 

The novel is set prior to the Norman Conquest of England with the Vikings raiding the shores and the countryside in turmoil. Historical events were peppered throughout as well as historical personages. Beyond this, there is a true feel for the atmosphere and way of life.

 

The characters were well crafted and had defined personalities. Despite the opening line of the book blurb, it really wasn’t the stereotypical two brothers and the woman caught in the middle unable to choose between two equally great men. There was an issue between two brothers, and she was torn between two men, but that doesn’t exactly go together. I was actually happy with the way the story progressed and wasn’t the cookie cutter storyline. In terms of dialogue, some of the lines that the characters came out with were repetitive and annoying.

 

In reference to my above comment about how the short novel felt at least twice the length – it wasn’t that the plot dragged or that it was not exciting. I think it was more of the fact that there was really a lot going on that made it feel much longer in the reading of it.

 

The romance was well done – there were sex scenes and passionate chaste scenes. However, they didn’t just fall into each other’s arms every second; there was a build-up of drama and passion which felt very natural. Overall I was very happy with this read and I would consider reading her other novels – although, truthfully, the reason I chose this one was because it was set in Saxon England and I LOVE that time period.

 

Author Laura Navarre also has written a couple other historical romances including: The Devil’s Mistress, The Devil’s Temptress, Magick by Moonrise, and Midsummer Magick.

 

You can visit Laura’s website or blog for additional information about the books. If you would like to preview the story before reading it, why not try out this excerpt of the book?

 

      

 

This review is of a book that I received from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  Review originally posted at The Maiden's Court on December 24, 2013.

I loved this book!

Arthurian lore, Tudor England, Fae and Angels -- all blended together by a well-written story full of descriptive language, active narrative, interesting characters, intrigue, tension, and romance. Yummy!

Full review posted at The Book Pushers: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/08/14/review-midsummer-magick-by-laura-navarre/

 

Let me start by saying that Magick by Moonrise is a well written and well thought out book. There is a lot of world building in this first book. I liked both Rhiannon and Beltran and I found myself rooting for them to find a way to be together.

Having said all that, I found that the book just didn't work for me overall. It may have been that there was too much of a mix of genres in the book. There is fantasy, historical, and angels. Because of this, the book was too densely packed for me to enjoy. It dragged in places and I found myself skimming.

I do think that this book will work for anyone who loves both historical and fantasy together. Just because it didn't work for me, doesn't mean others won't enjoy it. It has gotten good reviews and I think it should be given a chance. So, check it out.

I have to start by saying I loved the premise of blending Tudor England, Inquisition insanity, Fallen Angels and Arthurian legends but I found myself a bit bogged down by the sheer amount of information provided. I enjoyed it but am writing it up as first book information overload and will want to watch out for more in the series. Rhiannon is the half mortal/Fae daughter of Arthur and Queen Maeve who doesn't feel like she belongs anywhere but is now charged with a mission that could save both the mortal and Fae realms. She's unfortunate when she not only runs in to people working for her sister, Morrigan le Fay, but also a Blade of the Catholic Church who is bent on uncovering heretics and witches in the name of his Faith. She's rescued by him but also now a prisoner of his to be delivered to the hands of inquisitors who could end up sending her to burn as a witch. Even with all of this she manages to keep her wits about her but also fall in love with this man who isn't completely what he seems. She does everything she can to show him exactly who she is and that she isn't evil but a bringer of peace to two very tumultuous realms. I liked how strong she was in her beliefs and that even when things were bleakest that she still wanted to succeed in her mission to save both realms even if it meant sacrificing herself. Beltran was interesting in that he starts the book as a massive asshole who won't listen to anything but what his self-righteousness decides is correct. I think what was fun was that you saw even though he presented this attitude of being close-minded to the world he really is a man at war with himself. As you learn more about him and his past you start to see why this is such an incredibly hard war for him to fight and win. He's very drawn to Rhiannon even as he believes her to be wrong and deserving of holy justice. I loved how he was able to finally open his eyes to the truth but getting to that point was extremely tough to read and I felt for both of the main pair as they work through the intrigues of the English court and the Catholic vs Protestant mess that has engulfed Mary's court. Overall this is a well written title but a bit information heavy so go in to it with that knowledge and like me you will still be wanting to see where she goes with this series. The premise is good and worth additional looks at future titles.Thanks to NetGalley.com and Carina Press for the chance to read this in exchange for my honest review.

I am such a sucker for a Fantasy Romance. I love the idea of Faeries roaming through a Medieval world and my biggest love as a child was Arthur and Camlot. So when a book seemed to combine all of those - I jumped!

Rhiannon is the daughter of the Queene of Faerie and King Arthur of Camlot. As she has spent most of her time in the Faerie Realm where time moves differently, she is a young princess on a diplomatic mission as she enters the mortal realm. She needs to meet with Queen Mary and secure a truce before the Convocation sends the world into chaos. This treaty, once signed, would be binding through magic and would keep the Faeries from the mortal world while protecting them from harm by the humans. But Mary Tudor's England is not safe for anyone with questionable abilities. With the Inquisition in full swing in Spain and Prince Philip spreading the love to England, Rhiannon's mission is a dangerous one.

For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/03/laura-navarre-magick-by-moonrise.html