So I Married A Sorcerer is the second novel in Kerrelyn Sparks' new series Embraced. I also read How To Tame A Beast In Seven Days, the first book in the Embraced series. They are great books, very interesting concept for the "abilities" or "curses", all depending on the person that has them.

Brigitta has the ability to see memories, or secrets, when she touches either a person or item. When she concentrates, she can find lost items, for example one of the nuns, from the convent she was raised at, lost things often. Brigitta would just have to hold the nun's hand and think about the missing item, and she will see the memories of where the nun put it last. She, and her five adopted sisters, were all raised at the convent in the Isle of Moon after being left there shortly after they were born. When the oldest two, Luciana and Brigitta, were younger, Luciana made up a game, called the Telling Stones, mostly to keep Brigitta, and later the others, occupied while the nuns were busy with various other things. One night when there was a terrible storm, the girls gathered again to play the game. That night Luciana predicted her own future with the stones. Once she was married and the girls came to celebrate her nuptials, they decided to play again, while Luciana's husband was busy with kingly duties. That night, she predicted that in eight months, Brigitta would travel to Tourin where there would be a seven suitors that would compete for her hand.

When Luciana found out she was pregnant, due in about eight months, she asked two of the nuns, one an excellent midwife and the other to help chaperone the girls, and the five sisters. When the nuns' and sisters' ship got to the river that would take them to their sister, they were stopped first by some Tourinian ships, then by a group of nine pirate ships, the admiral of the pirate group was Embraced with his ability letting him control the wind. The admiral, the infamous pirate Rupert, blew all but one of the Tourinian ships against some rocks, offering to allow any survivors to join his pirate group. Rupert also wanted Brigitta to become his captive, because, as she learned right before the pirates arrived, she was the Princess of Tourin! Rupert wanted to use her for the ransom, since his life's work has been to bring the king of Tourin to his knees.

As I said before, I loved this book. I've had an obsession for pirates for a long time, maybe one too many historical pirate book in my past. Rupert is the best kind of pirate, the Robin Hood version!! When Brigitta first encountered him, she was horribly scared, but despite Sister Fallyn's warning, neither Rupert nor any of the other pirates harmed them. If there had been even a hint of mental torture or physical harm, I wouldn't have like Rupert at all. He and Brigitta felt immediately connected, though they didn't discuss it.

Ms Sparks has a very original idea on how her characters' gifts work, seemingly that no other unrelated person could have the same gifts. It makes each character truly individuals. I've read books where the characters had similar to these two, controlling the wind and getting memories off of items and people, but even those gifts vary in some way. I would gladly recommend this book to any fan of paranormal romances, with some possible fantasy included. But it also reads quite like a historical romance with the paranormal and fantasy bits added. It's well worth anything you put into it!!

Well blow me down! That phrase is not exclusive to pirates. Not at all, in fact it’s a delightful twist in this series. With anyone who is Embraced in this world that Ms. Sparks has created, they find that they are endowed with unique powers, or curses depending on what side of the planet they live on. I know that Superman had a small talent for it but he had nothing on the hero of So I Married a Sorcerer. Rupert has a few tricks up his sleeve that Superman would envy.

The opening act of this hefty novel doesn’t give a reader a slow build up. One moment Brigitta is safe with her sisters as they go to visit their other sister who is about to have a baby and bam! The next thing I know, the heroine is kidnapped, and the adventure begins.

I wanted to give this tale a perfect rating like the first book but one tiny area held me back – I guessed what was going to happen! Granted, I probably couldn’t have done it without my reading the first book, but now that I know what the carry-over villain is capable of, I am seeking clues, hints and diabolical surprises. Yes, the heroine and hero were certainly bamboozled by the plans of the slippery criminal so they were surprised, but not me. The only other character that caught on earlier was Brody.

I like Brody. Brody is a fun character and his role and personality grows in this novel. I hope he gets a happy ever after some day. But I digress. Even though I figured out what was going to happen, I did get a short burst of shock when the choice of doppelganger was revealed. The one thing that really made me go, ‘Oooooh!’ was when Rupert had to seek out the final object to win the contest. It’s who they met that got the thinking gears whirring. And, sure enough, that tickling thread was pounced on later and created the absolute perfect hook for the next installment in the Embraced series. That’s going to be so COOL!

Rupert isn’t the only person who finds something important in this novel. No, Brigitta finds something too and it’s bittersweet. I can’t say what it is, but man, I wish something could be done to … fix or help that which was found. It broke my heart!

As for plot conflict, it’s a doozey, it’s effective and it’s encompasses a wide scale – sort of like the movies made by Cecil B. DeMille, the filmmaker. Okay so there were some areas that seemed to be too – perfect. I mean what were the odds that not one person, even the vile, ‘beady-eyed’ Hilda, noticed or suspected that Brigitta wasn’t as compliant, alone or as dumb as she lead them to believe? It worked for the story, and don’t get me wrong, I liked the outcome so I don’t want to rock the boat, but I did think that it was a bit too easy. Then again, if the suspense and stress were any more intense and sharp, I probably would have needed some chocolate therapy to recover. As it is, a glass of lemon/iced tea with lots and lots of ice was needed for when Brigitta and Rupert succumbed to their passions. As always, well written and fun to read.

Oh! I almost forgot! I really liked the full circle story arc! Yes, that was rather romantic and special and I adored the fact that Rupert, no matter how much time had passed, really didn’t shake that promise. He has such honor and integrity; he certainly wore the title of Hero well.

I didn’t talk much about Brigitta’s Embraced gift because I thought Rupert’s was way more impressive. True, hers played into the plot conflict rather well, but the hero’s talent rang my chimes. Can you tell?

On the whole, So I Married a Sorcerer is a magical follow-up to an amazing new world that is just beginning to unfold. Ms. Sparks has created a rich, vibrant, imaginative and adventurous series in which the possibilities are astounding. I can’t wait to find out what new Embraced gifts will be revealed and how they’ll be used. The one thing that seems to be clear is, the author’s heroes and heroines are reshaping their world for the better, and the villains are fighting it every inch of the way. So I Married a Sorcerer is how great storytelling is supposed to be – epic, grand, exciting and full of fiendish plots. Love wins as it should and the happy ever after left me smiling. Now, how long do I have to wait for the next book? Too long.

This book is the second book is series (The Embraced). Brigitta grew up in the Isle of Moon, not knowing anything about her past all she knew she is Embraced. She is born with powers that have forced into hiding. Brigitta was on her way to visit another orphan sister when she learns her brother has created a deadly game that the prize is Brigitta . Her only hope is a mysterious Pirate who hate her brother and is will to help Brigitta.
I enjoyed the story and cant wait for the next in the series.

Great paranormal romance story. Loved the ending and can't wait for the next story.

Mini review:

DNF

I received this E-ARC via the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I heard about this book through a friend. Decided to request it. Unfortunately it wasn't for me.

I did not care for anything. The writing style was odd. And it was really annoying how Rupert had to remind himself that Brigitta was the enemy. Simply based on her looks.

Do not recommend.

Thanks St. Martin's Press and netgalley for this ARC.

It just seems like all these books could be interchanged for each other. If you read one you've read them all.

Vivid detail, a rich storyline and characters to swoon over. That is what I think of this series it is amazing. The author continues The Embraced series with another hit. This series is full of women who become stronger as the book progresses but each has just enough weaknesses to make them believable for their era.

In this book Brigitta is the main female character and her greatest strength is protecting others. The reader will feel compassion for decisions she makes and how she finds her strength to follow through with her convictions. She has a certain tentativeness that she tries to hide in her bravery that is enchanting.

Let's not forget the tortured handsome sexy alpha man to make all woman swoon. Rupert is just yummy. It's not just his looks but the way his brain thinks is attractive and noteworthy. I felt his character was enduring and how he fought to help others was portrayed with finesse. His struggle to be a good person yet get his revenge is portrayed so the reader can feel all his struggles and angst throughout the book.

Author Kerrelyn Spark's is a remarkable storyweaver that keeps me coming back to see what will happen next. I am looking forward to her next book to this series.

I give this 5 STARS for satisfying all parts of my mind.

Beyond wonderful! The exciting second book in this series was adventurous, romantic & a definite page-turner! Ms Sparks easily reels us into yet another future-bestseller! Love this new series!! :)

So I Married a Sorcerer is the second book in Sparks' The Embraced series and I have to tell you that I'm loving this series! I was a huge fan of her Love at Stake series and couldn't wait to try this new one.

In fact I have a little secret for you, I have the last book in her Love at Stake series still sitting on my book shelve. I just can't bring myself to read and end the other series.

Crazy, I know!

I'm really loving the titles for this series, great job there! So I Married a Sorcerer continues with the main thread of the series and the ladies of Isle of Moon. It almost felt like where one book ended the next began. I really love that in my series that closely connect. You don't really have to remember the prior book and what happened because you are still right there.

Now saying that I want you to know that So I Married a Sorcerer is it's own story with it's own characters. You just will enjoy the connectivity of them.

Brigitta will crack you up. She's such a strong character that puts others before herself. Rupert is just as caring he just tries to hide it. Of course he really doesn't do a good job of it. They are such great characters and you will feel the pull of their attraction right from the start.

Both Brigitta and Rupert have issues from their pasts that need to be dealt with and you might be a little surprised at how some things turn out. You'll also enjoy the visit with the characters from prior books and a new character too! I wonder what he's all about? Next book maybe? I'm not telling, read the two books in this series to find out.

This is lots of fun, and has a really sweet romance! There's pirates, royalty, magical abilities, dragons, and fun adventures! Loved the whole premise for this book! I always enjoy Kerrelyn Sparks' books, so I was looking forward to checking this one out! I haven't read the first in the series, and although, it would've been great to read the first book before this one, I didn't feel lost in the story at all, so I think this could be read as a standalone just fine. Brigitta is traveling by boat with her "sisters" to visit her other "sister" during her pregnancy. Brigitta was born with a special power, and she was sent away to a hidden island because those with powers are killed, there she met other women, who also have types of powers, and they became as close as sisters. While on route, a pirate kidnaps Brigitta, but there is a lot more to the kidnapping then just the ransom, there's revenge on the mind. The pirate Rupert knows more than he lets on to Brigitta, and he has some plans in place that may not be in the best interest of Brigitta. Lots of dangerous situations to be had! I loved the backstory for both Brigitta and Rupert, and I loved seeing them grow to care for each other. They are too cute! They have a great connection! Wonderful story telling, and this book is totally entertaining! Definitely looking forward to the next books, and I need to go read the first book now! Love the premise for that one!

Such wonderful world-building by Kerrelyn Sparks. She obviously had a great time creating these new characters.

In the second in her new Embraced series, we can really start to see how much fun Kerrelyn had stetching her imagination. Her complaint about her Love at Stake series was that all the vampires had the same abilities so in this series we can see all the different personalities and abilities being introduced. And not just the protagonists. Some of the antagonists are over the top. You just love to hate them.

In this story, we focus on Brigitta who can learn someone’s secrets by touching them. I will say, we have much more of Brigitta’s power at the beginning of the story and not so much at the end. I am not certain if it just stopped being a necessary plot point or simply as we learned all of Rupert’s secrets, there were no more to ferret out by Brigitta’s special ability. But Brigitta, even without special powers, is quite fiesty and will do anything she must to protect those she loves, even risk herself and her happiness.

Brigitta is the Princess of Tourin. I would say missing, but her father tossed her on that Isle of the Moon with the nuns to forgot about her. It is long after her father’s death, that her brother (now the king) tries to reclaim his sister Brigitta, who was on her way to visit her sister-of-the-heart, Luciana, who was about to give birth.

Like Brigitta, Rupert, the pirate, is Embraced. His ability is to control the wind which is an absolutely perfect ability for a pirate to have. Not only can he give his ships speed to overtake or outrun the other ships, but he can blow away the royal navy whenever they try to catch him. But Rupert is only a pirate against the navy of King Gunther of Tourin. He does attack or steal from any of the other Kingdoms. In fact, when Brigitta indicates that Luciana, now the Queen of Eberon, would pay a hefty ransom, he refuses since he doesn’t want Eberoni gold. He wants to break the bank of Tourin.

The reason behind his hate for King Gunther is complex and justified (you’ll have to read for yourself), but once Rupert learns the real reason why Gunther wants to reunite with his long lost sister, which is quite horrifying, Rupert has to decide if his personal vendetta is worth turning sweet Brigitta over to a monster.

As I said, Kerrelyn Sparks goes crazy with creating new characters and just has fun with it. Gunther is a pretty over the top, demented bad guy, and of course, he uses gold in all of his decorating, and he surrounds himself with minions who enjoy being as evil as he is. We get a quick look at the neighboring kingdom where dragons live (maybe dragon shifters but so far the dragons and the people seem to be separate).

It is just a fun, clever fantasy series rife with Sparks’s expected humor.

3.25 stars

There's a lot I enjoyed from this second entry to Kerrelyn Sparks' "The Embraced" series; the recurring characters as well as the newly introduced ones among others. Just like the previous installment, the camaraderie and verbal sparring between characters are entertaining. That saying, over time one of the nun's overly dramatic agitation (which she does over and over) turns my amusement to exasperation. Most likely the case of being sick after overindulgence.

The main characters are likable enough. Readers can figure early on the dashing pirate's true identity and might making allowance of his conflicting feeling - and thus, the resulting hot and cold treatment - to the heroine given the circumstances. Discounting a much later negligence, Brigitta is quite smart in picking out clues and not a damsel-in-distress sort of heroine.

Yes, the rushed romantic involvement between them bears a semblance to Stockholm Syndrome, though I'm more than okay to disregard that. What piqued me - other than that exhausting nun - is the pace of the story. After such leisure-rate throughout the book, the ending is like sprinting to the finish line because the time (or the pages) runs out.

There are many issues shoved into the last few chapters; the recurring villain, the long-lost character, unexpected alliances, a villain sudden change of heart... Personally I feel like reallocating some pages from earlier chapters to give more room to the conclusion to develop. I just wish the next book will be spared this kind of ending. Well, we'll see.


Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

So I Married A Sorcerer
By Kerrelyn Sparks
This is the second book in The Embraced Series. Brigitta grew up on a convent on the Isle of Moon surrounded by her sisters. She along with her sisters have powers that they must keep hidden. They are called The Embraced. Brigitta has a destiny that is yet to be revealed. As she and her sisters sail to join her sister Luciana as she gives birth, they are captured by the famous pirate Rupert. Rupert is also Embraced, he is a wind sorcerer and he is determined to get revenge for what happened to his family at the hands of Brigitta’s father. He wishes to take back what was stolen from him, the throne, and to be a good and just rul.er for his people. He kidnaps Brigitta to make her half -brother return the throne to the rightful heir, him. As Brigitta sifts through the layers that Rupert is hiding, she realizes that he is an honorable man who only wants the best for his people. Soon, neither can stay away from the other. This story includes finding out who Brigitta really is, a contest to win her hand, finding the true ruler of the kingdom and true love. There was also a second love story as we see Sister Fallyn who is Brigitta’s chaperone, find her own love story with Stefan, the captain of the ship. Their relationship is very sweet and funny
I really enjoyed this story. You have pirates, secret princesses, contests to win the hand of the princess, and finding true love. The secondary characters also have secrets but are funny as well and I look forward to seeing them again in later stories in this series. I had a hard time putting down this book. Looking forward to the other books in this series. Received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

I had read the first book of this series and quite enjoyed it, so I was excited about the second book. Unfortunately, this one didn't grip me. The beginning of the book was slow, a bit bland and at times felt quite juvenile. I had the same issue with the first book in that it took forever for the hero and heroine to get to know each other in reality. For this story Rupert hid his identity from Brigitta even though they had met. There's a deliberate secrecy for Rupert hiding his identity but I don't even know why he was doing it. How do you build a relationship and fall in love with all that secrecy and hiding who you are? As for Brigitta, she's kind of immature and perhaps that has to do with the fact that she's only 19. Her internal dialogue is quite juvenile and the repeated mentions of her "overly dramatic" stories she makes up is quite silly. Overall, I like the premise of the stories in the series and fantasy romance in general but I think this one simply felt a little too "young" to me. This feels much more like a young adult read to me and that's not my thing. Don't get me wrong, they do some rather adult things in a few intimate moments (especially when they get on with the naughty nooky business) but what I read felt almost teenager-ish to an extent. It was not holding my attention and it felt like a slog getting through the book. The pacing for the first half of the book needs to pick up a lot more than it is right now for it to be a page turner. I think I was more interested in the secondary romance between Fallyn and Stefan than what happened between Brigitta and Rupert.

So I Married a Sorcerer is book two in Kerrelyn Sparks' Embraced series. While the first book played out more like an epic fairy tale this one seemed more like a mash-up of Pirate and Medieval Pulp romance, and it was GREAT! It starts off with the pirates and then smoothly transitions into a Medieval type tournament complete with dragons. I think this book can be read as a standalone as all the pertinent information is given. So much happened in the book, I mean it is almost 500 pages, but it keeps you entertained, enthralled, and just completely sucks you into the story. If you've read Kerrelyn Sparks before you know her writing style, and if you enjoy fantasy she has done a wonderful job creating this world, the active setting is wonderfully descriptive it is a seductive and enchanting story.

Brigitta knew something was going to happen and she knew it was going to happen soon, the telling stones told her so. Her adoptive sister the new Queen of Ebton was about to give birth and sent for her sisters but the journey there was interupted by Tourinian Naval ships and then by pirates, at almost the time. Brigitta just learned she is a princess and only one of two children remaining alive after the death of King Garold the other being her bastard, in the figurative and literal sense, brother Gunther. King Gunther sent his best naval officer and a fleet of his naval ships to bring Brigitta back home. The plan is thwarted by the Dread Pirate Roberts, oops I mean The Infamous Pirate Rupert the Wind Sorcerer.

Rupert is the sole heir to the rightful King of Tourin after the massacre that killed all the members of his family he hid and he became old enough he took to the sea and became a pirate. Rubert is one of the Embraced and has the power to control the wind, which give his a huge advantage out on the sea. Rupert isn't just any pirate he only targets Tourinian vessels which contain gold. His plan to to steal as much gold as possible and force an uprising against Gunther. But his plans change when Brigitta comes into his life.

Brigitta and Rupert have been betrothed since Rupert was seven and Brigitta was still an infant but Brigitta has no idea. Rupert has hidden his true identity to protect himself, but Brigitta is smart enough to figure it out for herself. Together they must try and find a way to dethrone Gunther without leading their people into a civil war all the while playing along with Gunther's crazy tournament to win the hand of the Princess scheme and once again trying to find out who the shapeshifter is pretending to be.

Overall, this was a very exciting and romantic adventure.

So I Married a Sorcerer is the second book in The Embraced series. I skipped book one, How to Tame a Beast in Seven Days, and don’t feel like I missed anything. It stands alone well.

Brigitta and her 3 adopted sisters were raised together in a convent on the Isle of Moon after their families gave them up because they are Embraced – meaning they were born with magical powers. Brigitta knows nothing of her past, so when a naval fleet chases her ship down while she’s on her way to visit one of her sisters, she’s shocked to learn she’s actually a princess long thought dead. When she’s captured by pirates and she realizes the vision her sister foretold is coming true, she’s both frightened and exhilarated. As she learns more about her biological family and the pirate Rupert, she can’t help but wonder …who is the hero of this story, and who is the villain?

Rupert has been waiting 19 years to gain his revenge against Brigitta’s family. When he finds out she’s alive, he knows this is the opportunity he’s been waiting for. By ransoming her to her brother, he’ll finally gain the leverage he needs to avenge his past. The problem? He’s having a hard time with the thought of putting Brigitta in danger. He should hate her. After all, she’s the sister of his greatest enemy. But it doesn’t take long for him to realize she’s completely innocent..and quite possibly destined to be his. Can he set aside his need for revenge to win her?

This is my first book by Sparks. I avoided her novels in the past because I thought they were really light and campy. While that may be true (or not! I’m not even sure why I thought that) of her other novels, this was actually a fairly dark read. Brigitta’s strength and quiet determination were lovely to read about. I really enjoyed her and Rupert, both together and apart. He had a rock solid core of honesty and goodness that really worked. Together they were well matched.

The adventure and world-building were also very well done. I really enjoyed the setting and learning more about the world. I plan to go back and read book one.

Filled with action, adventure, betrayal, revenge, love and a strong sense of family, So I Married a Sorcerer was a great read all around.

4 out of 5

The Embraced series from Kerrelyn Sparks brings us into a new world, with multiple gods, kings, beliefs and superstitions. In this second book we reencounter Brigitta, an embraced born on the solstice of the two moons, and raised on the Isle of Moon with others who share her unique gifts. From the start, Brigitta is suspicious of prophecies and fortelling, and wants nothing more than to join her ‘sister’ and her husband before her sister has her baby. But, all is not to go smoothly, as the ship is waylaid and the only way Brigitta can see her sisters safe is to offer herself captive to a notorious gang of pirates, led by the Sorceror Pirate Rupert.

Rupert was born embraced, and betrothed as a young boy to the infant Brigitta, before treachery and violence took his family and security. Forced to hide and run for years, he honed his own talent as an Embraced, and learned to best control the winds: using that power to amass ships, crew and the loyalty of many in the small coastal towns. He’s focused on two things: foil all plans that Brigitta’s half-brother Gunther have for maintaining the throne and using her to keep power, and destroying all things held by Gunther that were stolen from him. From the start, the attraction between them is electric – Brigitta finds that with every touch she discovers more of Rupert’s pain, and he can’t figure out just why he wants her so badly. When you add in their own slow reveals as we discover who they are, Brigitta’s fierce determination to do what is right, and the amazing world building by Sparks – and the pages just fly by.

Add in Sister Fallyn, acting as chaperone but all too concerned with being “ravished’ and her own connection to Rupert’s captain, the layers of this story with new and old characters alike build a world that although unlike our own is completely palpable and tactile, with visual descriptions that bring pictures to mind without a reader’s effort. Best enjoyed and read in order, the world created here is complex and ever-growing, and each of the girls from the Isle of Moon have distinct and unique qualities that only shine stronger with each book. A wonderful installment that has me hoping for the next!

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=”http://wp.me/p3OmRo-9gC/” > <a> I am, Indeed </a>

So I Married a Sorcerer is book 2 in the Embraced series and gives us the story of Brigitta and Rupert, both Embraced and both having hidden away for fear of what would happen to them should their true identity be known. Brigitta can sense peoples secrets by simply touching them. Rupert controls the wind. Both come from a prestigious background but the feuding amongst their families drove them both into hiding. Now Rupert is the Pirate Rupert (at one point he even says 'As you wish'!) and Brigitta is leaving the Isle of the Moon to visit Luciana and Leofric (from book 1) when their paths cross again, and this time, Rupert is determined to get revenge.

Brigitta finds out about her past rather abruptly when it comes sailing up to them! Turns out she is a princess and her brother wants her back (most likely to sell her off in marriage because he is obviously not a good dude). Rupert kidnaps her first because he wants revenge on Brigitta's brother. Brigitta is brave and intelligent which I always love in heroines. But, she is vulnerable and a bit naive too, which I enjoyed.

Rupert is (much like Wesley) a pirate with a bit of honor. He only steals from those who deserve to have their gold taken. His plan to use Brigitta to get back at her family is pretty dastardly; he waffles between his memories of the horrific childhood he had because of Brigitta's family and the feelings he has towards Brigitta.

Once the mystery of their identities is exposed to each other, the plot had me experiencing real worry over fictional characters. I was legit scared for Brigitta and Rupert to go back to Turin and try to take on her brother. Let me say it again: I was frightened for FICTIONAL characters. If that isn't good writing, I don't know what is.

Sister Fallyn provides a bit of comic relief at times because she is SO over dramatic! The Embraced series has so many interconnected characters that the plot moves along quickly and you are sucked in right away! Sparks' words really flow beautifully and I am thrilled to have discovered this delightful series!

Following one’s destiny isn’t easy, especially not when there are evil kings, pirates and dragons in the way. SO I MARRIED A SORCERER is the second book in The Embraced series by Kerrelyn Sparks and it was just as much fun as the first. In a world where having magical powers is punishable by death, the Embraced, those born on the nights when the twin moons meet, are hunted and feared.

Both are hero and heroine are Embraced, but their gifts never felt overpowered. If anything, Rupert’s powers were so difficult to control that he was constantly in danger of exposing himself when his emotions get the better of him. When he hears what Brigitta’s brother wants to use her for, he nearly causes an indoor tornado.

There is a wonderful mix of propriety-based drama (“Rupert, we can’t be seen alone together, what will people think”) and adventure in caves and battles. In order to get his revenge on Brigitta’s brother, Rupert needs to compete in a cut-throat competition for her hand in marriage.

I’m once again impressed at how well the characters are developed in this series. I can’t think of a minor character who didn’t have a purpose, who didn’t either bring something to the story or served to show readers something about the main characters.

With a world that is getting bigger every book, with more intrigue both in and out of the royal courts, The Embraced is a great fantasy series with just enough romance to lighten the mood.

* Disclosure: I was given an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. (Although I will be purchasing a print version of this book once it’s published for my bookcase.)

Super Fun Read! One of my absolute favorites.

I loved this book so much I went out and bought the first book in the series. Not that book two didn’t stand on it’s own. It did, splendidly. But all the secondary characters were so interesting and the hint of their own stories so intriguing that I just had to read more. You can be sure I’ll get each of the following stories as soon as they are available.

Brigitta grew up on the Island of Mann. Luckily she had her sisters. Not sisters of blood, but of the heart. They, like herself were left or abandoned at the island’s convent as babes. As the sisters are sailing to visit with their other sister, Luciana their ship is attacked. To keep her sisters safe, Brigitta agrees to go with the Notorious Pirate Rupert. Bringing along her trusty sidekick and chaperone, Sister Fallyn. Who will make sure Brigitta’s virtue is preserved while keeping us in stitches. Lord, or should I say Goddesses, that woman is hilarious.

Rupert, or The Notorious Pirate Rupert as he’s called by most, or Horrid Rupert as he’s called by Brigitta, and The Dread Pirate Rupert as I can’t help but call him. This book has that fun quality of The Princess Bride so every time I read Pirate Rupert, I hear The Dread Pirate Rupert. Luckily it doesn’t distract from the book.

Rupert has kidnapped Princess Brigitta to get revenge against her brother, the Turian king. Yep, she’s a princess. Who knew? Not Brigitta, but Rupert and her brother, King Gunther did. It seems now she’s to be a pawn in their ongoing battle, where Rupert steals from the Turian King, then the king throws a tantrum.

This story has lots of twists and turns that keep you guessing. The world building is excellent, the story is well thought out and seamlessly woven with a balanced mixture of tension, humor, and romance. I can’t begin to tell you how much I enjoyed reading this book. It’s one that I will go back to over and over in order to visit with the fun yet complex characters in Kerrelyn Sparks world of the embraced.

I give this book my highest rating, “Bookshelf Space”. If you like The Princess Bride you will definitely want to get a copy of this book. Also if you like paranormal romance, fantasy, or you just like a really good read. This one has it all.

**Bookshelf space = I’ll give the book one of the coveted yet limited spots in my bookshelves.