Worst of all, she learns her father is missing.
To rescue him, Kalin will have to work with a judgmental council and a system of courts too busy accusing each other of deceit to actually be able to help her. But, they aren’t her biggest challenge. With the Midwinter’s Ball only five days away, Kalin must take over her father’s duties, which includes shifting control of the elements—power Kalin has yet to realize.
As Rowan attempts to train her, a war looms between the four courts. If Kalin fails, her father will die and the courts will fall, but the betrayal she’s about to uncover may cost her even more...
Stacey O'Neale
Find Stacey O'Neale
To anyone who's interest I may have piqued, you can head over to my review of the prequel novella, The Shadow Prince, by clicking on the cover below. You may want to check out this synopsis and review before you head on down to my review of Mortal Enchantment below!
You can also check out the official synopsis and cover snippet for Fragile Reign, book two in the Mortal Enchantment series, by clicking on the graphic below!
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My Thoughts:
Let me just start out by saying this: there are 4 (possibly 5) Elements in many "elemental" book series, but I am starting to think there should be another one: the ability to write AMAZING paranormal/elemental fiction. I have no idea where all these Elemental books and authors have been hiding, but this makes about the 10th one I have read in a month and I'll be honest, I've loved almost everything about all of them. Elementals may quickly rising to the top of my Paranormal list (watch out Vamps and Witches)!
Mrs. Stacey, Mrs. Stacey... WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN ALL MY LIFE. Holy freaking smokes Batman. You guys remember how I raved over The Shadow Prince? Well... get ready because here I go again. Mortal Enchantment definitely just made my list of best reads of 2014. Without a doubt. Everything I loved about TSP was amplified times 10. Seriously, it was amazing.
The storyline to Mortal Enchantment was awesome. It was just as emotional as TSP and definitely answered many of my lingering questions about Rowan and his family. The themes I discussed from TSP such as family, love, betrayal, responsibility, coming of age, etc are all present in this storyline and executed to perfection. O'Neale can weave a story, that much is for sure. The fantasy "element" of Mortal Enchantment is great. It's fictitious, for sure, but it isn't over-the-top. You know it isn't real, but it definitely isn't thrown in our faces. Kalina and Rowan grew up in our mortal world and it definitely shows. It was a great way to grown the characters and make then even easier to relate to. This isn't a long read and it definitely fills the pages well. The story is filling and sets the stage for an amazing sequel to follow. I have lots of spoiler related questions for Mrs. Stacey, but one is scratching at my insides in need of an answer, I can only hope that the next books does it for me! There is one big mystery element of the novel that you don't get solved until the end. I really liked that aspect of the story because it wasn't one I was expecting. And I usually like surprises!
When it comes to the characters, O'Neale does not leave us disappointed. Kalin, our FMC is a 16 year old heir to the Air Court thrown and daughter of King Talon. Our "princess" has just turned 16 and is being whisked away to Avalon to train to take over her father's thrown. Once she finally gets to Avalon (amidst turmoil), she quickly realized this isn't going to be a fun trip. While I will admit Kalin can be a little annoying at times, she was a well written character. I guess I had a hard time with her sometimes because I kept forgetting she is only 16, which is really young, even for a YA character. She starts out a little bratty and a bit snobby, but by the novels completion I had fallen in love. I may have a new book girlfriend on my hands. This book is told from Kalin's POV. The next book will be dual-POV. Rowan, the MMC, continued to amaze me with his story. As any of my readers will tell you, I have a hard time with some of the male characters written by female authors, but O'Neale hits it right on the head. Rowan is awesome and his story is really interesting. He acts a whole lot older than 16 thought which was strange at times when comparing the two MCs relationship. Marcus also briefly appears back in this novel, THANK GOODNESS. He was such a great addition to TSP's cast so I was so excited to see him return. Ariel is another character that really grew on me. No spoilers here, you'll have to read it to figure it out!
This book, in true YA fashion, keeps things at a PG-13 level, which I definitely enjoyed. O'Neale has successfully proven one of my biggest points about writing a great novel. A romance in a novel can be great and enhance/build the storyline, however, it does have to be the primary focus of the plot in order for the book to be amazing. I am not a huge fan of romance, but I really enjoyed the relationship between Kalina and Rowan. It was the kind of relationship I could really have respect for. I am anxious to read what O'Neale has in story for them next.
Speaking of what is next to come, Mrs. Stacey recently released some info about the next book in the series, Fragile Reign and that can be found by following this link: oneguysguidetogoodreads.blogspot.com/2014/08/fragile-reign-by-stacey-oneale-cover.html
To wrap this review up, I am giving Mortal Enchantment a SOLID 5/5 star rating. Seriously. If I would have liked it anymore I would have cried. This is a MUST read for any lovers of YA or paranormal fantasy! Check it out ASAP readers! Stacey O'Neale is a name I hope we see lots of in the future, her works are high quality, gripping, and leave me begging for me. Her writing style is nearly flawless making her book so easy to read. She doesn't jump through hoops to confuse you or leave you hanging, O'Neale gives the reader exactly what they are looking in a series of this genre. As I said in my last review, kudos to you Mrs. Stacey you've gain one hardcore fan right here!
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Where can you get your copy?
Now that you've read my thoughts on Mortal Enchantment how about a GIVEAWAY? WOOHOO GIVEAWAY! Fill out this easy Rafflecopter below to enter to win one of 2 FREE ecopies of Mortal Enchantment! Haven't read The Shadow Prince yet? Don't worry, it's FREE on Amazon and Barnes & Noble!
Alright readers, that's all I have for you on the topic of Mortal Enchantment by Stacey O'Neale! I high encourage any fans of Mrs. Stacey's to seek her out via email or Twitter, she is an awesome writer and lady who loves to hear from her fans! Also, for anyone interested in MEETING Stacey O'Neale, she will be present at the Chapter by Chapter Book Rave event next month. Head on over to their site at http://www.cbcevent.com/ to learn more. I have it on high authority that Mrs. Stacey will be on site with specialty swag ON HAND for all her fans! Don't miss this awesome opportunity if you have the chance to go, I wish I could be there! Be on the look out for my review of Fragile Reign as soon as it releases! Until next time, Happy Reading!
-Ethan
Thanks for another awesome review, Ethan! <3 I'd love to know your burning question. You can email me anytime if you really want to know the answer.
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