I've never read a book quite like this before. It was a little out of my usual genres, and I am so very glad I chose to read it.

An ancient citadel beyond the wards. Powerful shadow mage Gethen, master sorceror of the land, on the cusp of becoming an even more powerful sun mage, needing a protector. The Rime Witch, released from the Void to overtake the mage's powers during his transition of powerlessness and gain control of all the lands. Our strong heroine who needs no one, Militess Halina, Margrave of Khara, sent by her father the King to parley the mage's fealty but needed by the mage himself. The mage's trusted servants, wolves, magic, mead, gothic, spells, ice, trowses, falcon, white stag, swords, death, necromancer, desire, tinctures and inguents, blood magic, heat, healing, dare we even hope for love?

This was written by someone who knows how to spin a good tale. I felt like I was right in the citadel and could smell the candles burning and hear the wind through the gaps in the windows. During the battles I could smell the blood and hear the swords ring. It was very real. I always say that I love strong female protagonists, and Halina topped my list of all-time baddest. She kicked some major bad-guy butt! Let's not leave our hero Gethen behind. It takes a man strong in his sense of self to admit that he needs help. Halina and Gethen were matched perfectly. There were a couple times I wanted to climb in the book myself and shake some sense into those two, but that's what made me realize that before all else they were human at their cores.

I am quite excited that this is Book One is The Militess and The Mage series, as I look forward to what comes next in their adventure. I've only touched here on a very small part of what happens in the book. I really urge you to read it. I was given an eARC of this book by the author for my honest and unbiased opinion. 5 of 5 stars, most definitely.

Interesting!

This is very easy reading.
If you love adventure, fantasy, with characters full of depth and a well written plot then this is for you.

Thanks to Stalking Fiction for the ARC in exchange for honest feedback.

I adored this book. The characters were strong and nuanced, and I found myself wanting more from the story. I would definitely read subsequent novels by the author!