Must-read romantic fantasy: 'Sacrificed,' 'Beneath the Forsaken City,' 'Seeker'
Sacrificed by Emily Wibberley
What it's about (courtesy of Emily Wibberley):
Fifteen-year-old Clio should have never been the Oracle of Sheehan. But when her entire family is murdered by Mannix, the king's adviser, Clio is left all alone and heir to a power she never wanted and doesn't understand.
Clio has no choice but to win the trust of Riece, an enemy warrior. Despite the growing feelings between them, Clio knows that if he finds out who she really is, he won't hesitate to kill her.
Clio tries to hide her budding powers, longing to be a normal girl who can fall in love, but visions of Mannix bringing a barbarian army into Sheehan torture her conscience. She alone has the strength and foresight to stop him, but only if she can embrace her destiny and sacrifice everything.
Why you should read it: With contemporary-styled, reader-friendly language and dialogue, this violent and vivid novel introduces readers to a unique world inhabited by oracles, cannibals, slaves, warriors and power-hungry conquerors who will stop at nothing to achieve their aims. The setting and fight scenes are packed with details that put the reader "right there" in the midst of the blood, filth and gore. The added tension of a could-it-be-a-triangle attraction between Clio, an old friend (who happens to be a prince), and warrior Riece ensures that once you're into this book, it will be hard to pry yourself away. A subtle but deep moral theme tracks Clio's growth through the novel, ensuring this YA fantasy, which is the first book in The Last Oracle series, will earn a following eager for the next book in the series.
Behind the scenes of Sacrificed with author Emily Wibberley …
You are a fan of classic literature, so I have to wonder: Is there a hidden homage to a favorite book or author in Sacrificed?
Emily: Well, the entire inspiration for Clio and her powers was drawn from Cassandra, the prophet in Greek mythology. While Cassandra is given the power to foresee the future, she is cursed to have no one believe her. This often drives her mad, and worse, she's unable to prevent even her own murder. I kept stumbling across her in different Greek texts, and each time I wondered what it would be like if this tragic figure was replaced by someone empowered.
What are you working on now, and when can we expect to see it available?
Emily: Currently, I am hard at work on the second book in The Last Oracle series! It will be out later this year.
Beneath the Forsaken City by C.E. Laureano
What it's about (from publisher NavPress):
A brotherhood scattered. A future denied. Who will stand against the darkness?
Conor and Aine have barely escaped Seare with their lives. Conor knows he must return to find the harp that could end the Red Druid's reign of terror, but in the midst of their escape, he and Aine are torn apart once more. Surrounded by despair and thrown into as much danger as they left behind, Conor and Aine must cling to the whispers of Comdiu's plans for them and the homeland that depends on their survival. But at what cost? Will they learn to depend on Comdiu completely? Or will they give up hope?
Why you should read it: Better known for her 2014 RITA-award winning contemporary romance Five Days in Skye, author C.E. (Carla) Laureano once again proves her exceptional range with the second installment in her Song of Seare series, giving authentic voice to medieval characters within a world that rings true to the spirit of Celtic fantasy.
Although Conor and Aine spend the bulk of this book apart, their love story stays in the forefront of their minds — as well as the reader's — while evil hunts them, threatening their happiness on every front. With a few gasp-worthy moments — including one in which you might just shake the book in your hands saying, "No, Conor! STAHP! No, no, no!" (I may have actually done that …) — this romantic fantasy reaches out, grabs you by the knuckles and pulls you right into the tale. Fantasy lit fans will definitely want to put this romantic, nail-biting page-turner on their TBR lists, but make sure you read book one first!
Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton
What it's about (from publisher Delacorte Press):
The night Quin Kincaid takes her Oath, she will become what she has trained to be her entire life. She will become a Seeker. This is her legacy, and it is an honor.
As a Seeker, Quin will fight beside her two closest companions, Shinobu and John, to protect the weak and the wronged. Together they will stand for light in a shadowy world. And she'll be with the boy she loves--who's also her best friend.
But the night Quin takes her Oath, everything changes. Being a Seeker is not what she thought. Her family is not what she thought. Even the boy she loves is not who she thought.
And now it's too late to walk away.
Why you should read it: There was nothing about this book's description or cover that prepared me for a fantasy set in an alternate/advanced version of our contemporary world, but that is exactly what this book is … sort of. Confused yet? Hang with me, because, somehow, this futuristic, modern-meets-ancient YA fantasy works.
Implementing a mixture of contemporary and ancient weaponry with otherworldly technology and transportation, rural and urban settings, ancient medicines and a futuristic drug culture, this book creates a series of mystical little worlds within the greater norm. At its heart, however, this story is a dark coming-of-age tale that examines three different responses to the disillusionment experienced when lies of childhood are revealed as frightening truths of a really messed-up adult reality.
If you are looking for a fantasy to invite you into something strange and yet familiar, with just the right amount of romance to keep you turning the pages in hopes of "that kiss," this book will not disappoint. Recommended for fans of modern fantasy, dystopian romance, sci-fi and paranormal romance.
A writer, performer and accomplished partaker of dark chocolate, Serena Chase lives in Iowa with her husband and two daughters. Her Eyes of E'veria series — The Ryn, The Remedy and The Seahorse Legacy — is out now. You can find out more about her at serenachase.com.