Of Silver and Beasts
Goddess Wars Series 1
Author: Trisha Wolfe
Pages: 305 pgs
Genre: NA, Fantsay,
Release Date: April 19th 2013
Review Source: Author
In the sand-covered
queendom of Cavan, the goddess once saved a young Kaliope’s life,
preventing the mercury her father attempted to hide in her blood from
reaching her heart. Now, a cybernetic clamp filters it, but the silver
streaks swirling faintly beneath her skin are a constant reminder that
she’s different.
When nineteen-year-old Kaliope is chosen as head
of the Nactue Guard, she becomes the sworn protector to her empress. In
the midst of an invasion on a neighboring land, Kaliope is placed in
charge of guarding Prince Caben, the last heir to his kingdom. But when
they’re attacked by the feared Otherworlders, Caben and Kaliope are
abducted and taken below to a realm where they must fight for their life
in a caged arena.
Kaliope struggles to protect her princely
charge, keeping him and herself alive while battling inhumanly
opponents, and trying to save the stolen, sacred relic that will restore
her empress’s life force and all of Cavan. And if she can somehow
awaken the goddess within her, she may save what’s most important.
New Adult Dark Fantasy: Intended for readers 17 years of age and older.
Another fantastic novel by Trisha Wolfe that I'm so glad I got the chance to read. Of Silver and Beasts is the first novel in a new series and it definitely started off with a bang.
One of my favorite things about Trisha's writing is her ability to create such fascinating worlds. Everything from the history to the setting to even the characters is incredibly brought to life and described vividly. You actually feel as though you're experiencing everything right along with her characters.
There was also a pretty interesting dynamic change that you don't often read about. I don't want to give too much away, but suffice it to say that Kaliope, Caben, and other characters discover the differences of their lands and learn how to use them to their advantage. It was interesting and fun to watch unfold.
And, just as I've said before, Trisha knows how to develop relationships. It's one of my favorite things to watch unfold. Romantic, platonic, or even amongst enemies, Trisha knows how to show the different levels and grow them throughout her stories.
I can't wait to discover what else she has in store for these characters and this world, it will definitely be an interesting journey.
If you're interested, here's a little excerpt from the book:
Excerpt
The cool sensation of the fresh water on my skin helps me
forget my nerves and I lie back, floating just below the top of the water. My
body dulls, the cold soothing my sore muscles, and I welcome the numbness. The
ceiling of the cave is sprinkled with tiny clusters of white lights, dotting
the canopy above our heads like stars in the sky. I feel as if I’m sitting on
the rooftop of my apartment, staring at the night sky, not here in the
Otherworld, awaiting my death.
The water rolls, rocking my body, and I glance over as Caben
floats up beside me. He’s on his back also, and points to the lights dusting
the cave ceiling.
“Diamonds,” he says.
“Really?” I don’t know much about any minerals other than
mercury. And somehow, diamonds as our stars makes my chest heavy. It’s too
beautiful. “How can you tell?”
“The ultraviolet light shows the impurities,” he says. “The
imperfections actually absorb the dark light, causing the diamond to emit a
visible glow.” He chuckles. “A very expensive lighting effect.”
I laugh. “Quite expensive.” They twinkle as they reflect the
rippling water. “But almost more heavenly than the stars.” I lower my voice at
the end, hoping he didn’t hear my spoken thoughts.
Caben doesn’t speak, and the trickling of the stream and lap
of the pool becomes the only sound as we float in compatible silence. I could
drift off, fall asleep in this peaceful place, but I know we still have a
mission to complete before the Reckoning.
This thought awakens me, and I touch my feet to the bottom
of the pool and begin to wade toward the edge.
I hear Caben’s heavy groan. “No you don’t,” he says, and
captures the bottom of my tunic. He tugs me through the water, back to the
pool’s center. “Not yet. This could be our last reprieve, and I plan for us to
enjoy it.”
As I turn to face him, his fingers slip from my shirt to my
waist, grazing my stomach. My skin prickles, and I shiver, matching the
trembling water around us. His deep blue eyes meet mine, and he swallows, his
Adam’s apple working. Slowly, he begins to inch up my tunic—
“Wait.” I place my hand on top of his.
He cranes an eyebrow. “It should really have time to dry
before we go back.”
Logically, that makes sense. But the heated look he’s giving
me says so much more. And regardless of the attraction I may feel for the
prince—a woman would have to be blind—and whether or not we actually escape
this hell ... what then? We share an intimate moment once, and go back to our
stations in life, simply pretending nothing happened?
Or maybe I’m reading too much into his gaze. He’s a man, and
physical desire is self-serving. He may die ... and he probably wants to bed a
woman one last time. Everything about his character screams he’s not one who
thinks past the moment.
I could lose myself for now, give in to the pulse quickening
my blood with need, but I’ve never shown a man the clamp over my heart. It
would have to be something I did for a different reason if I ever chose to do
so. Not merely because I may die soon.
As I push his hand away and start to swim off, he grasps my
waist, encircling his firm arms around my stomach, and pulls my back to his
chest.
“Don’t run from me,” he breathes into my ear. “I’m not
asking for anything. Not even whatever it is you’re hiding. Just stay here.”
AND GIVEAWAY TIME:
