Book Review: The King’s Niece by Isabella Berdyna Zysk

The King's Niece is a historical fantasy set in a medieval-like world. Robbie is the king's niece but she has never met her uncle. In fact, she's forbidden from leaving the eastern lands of Penrith to journey to the west, where the royal palace is. Until that is, her cousin and best friend Margo, the king's daughter Princess Margaret Rose, asks her to. The two had spent the last six years together at convent school, and now that Margo was of age to marry and was called to return to the palace, she wanted Robbie with her. Neither of the two young women have any idea of the threats that lay over Margo's head from the notorious Maulds people, whose chieftan wants her throne.

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REVIEW

An enjoyable medieval fantasy read as we meet an orphan named Robbie who escorts us through this tale. When the Kings own daughter comes to stay at the Convent to be schooled due to the King's re-marriage to a young maiden. Robbie and Margaret discover their cousins and their family’s sordid past. When it is time for Margaret to return to the palace to be married Margaret implores Robbie to come with her. Hiding her family red locks Robbie gives in posing as Margaret’s personal servant.

The King’s Champion Sir Cadwalder is sent to bring Margaret back to the palace. Robbie’s instincts instantly grow suspicious of him. Then at the place, Robbie catches Sir Cadwalder secretly meeting someone at the water's edge. What is he up to? Why is Margaret’s betrothed keep backing down? When the Prince of Keswick arrives for Margaret’s initial wedding, he is then asked to receive Margaret’s hand. The danger then ensures as Sir Cadwalder's deviousness is revealed. Can love be found amongst the chaos?

Not my normal genre I found this book quite enjoyable. The author pulled me in this adventurous tale of secrets and medieval espionage set among Kings, Queens, and kingdoms. 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Isabella Berdyna Zysk was born in Michigan, raised in southern California and central Virginia, worked and lived in several states and foreign countries, and now resides in Florida where she enjoys retirement.

Her interests include the writings of Jane Austen and William Shakespeare, horses, trees, sustainable farming, and art.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Book Review: The Queen’s Brother by Isabella Berdyna Zysk

The Queen's Brother is a historical fantasy set in a 

medieval-like world. Elisedd, the common-born
half-brother of Queen Aldegunda, is sent to another kingdom to learn what he can of the characters of two suitors for her hand. 

In the process, he uncovers evidence of a conspiracy by another kingdom to conquer both of theirs through sabotage and murder.

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REVIEW

To learn more about her would-be suitors, Queen Aldegunda uses the help of her brother Elisedd to find out more about them. Posing as a traveling Pilgrim Elisedd encounters and befriends Lady Felicity of Ruba along with her brother the Duke of Ruba. Who just his luck is one of the said suitors of Aldegunda. Amongst the friendship making, Elisedd discovers a plot of villainy from a neighboring kingdom that could threaten both their kingdom and Ruba’s. Can this treacherous plot be stopped?

Isabella Berdyna Zysk writes her world and her characters with a poet flair. Every character is charming and Zysk own wit sneaks into them. If you like historical fantasy, you will embrace Berdyna Zysk’s new world.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Isabella Berdyna Zysk was born in Michigan, raised in southern California and central Virginia worked and lived in several states and foreign countries, and now resides in Florida where she enjoys retirement.

Her interests include the writings of Jane Austen and William Shakespeare, horses, trees, sustainable farming, and art.

BOOK REVIEW: World of the Chimera (The Adventure of Narvix Book 2) by Dayron Maxwell

The Battle of New York has become a catalyst for many things. The hatred for Narvix, Mia's alienation from human life, two teenagers a nascent understanding of their father's goal, and the life of all intertwined with the nature of the Arzos. As Narvix's power begins to frighten him, He journeys to a city hidden in another planet to learn about his heritage. Yet, what of the lives ultimately affected by him? What of the mothers who hold the corpse of her winged child, horned children praying for a peace muffled by brooks of blood and dying men? What of an old foe who vowed to destroy Narvix and the rest of his family? In the second book, Narvix must prepare for an inevitable conflict by immersing himself in a world shaped by the lives that he has neglected.

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REVIEW

Narvix has returned in World of the Chimera (The Adventure of Narvix Book 2). If you have not read the first book, you should. World of the Chimera picks up after the events of the first book. After the epic battle in New York and with the defeat of Reziel, Narvix gets whisked away to another planet where Narvix learns more about his true origins, where we meet the Arzo race. Meanwhile, we learn that someone more sinister looms in the shadows and has risen to take Reziels place.

Meanwhile, more destructive occurrences are happening on Earth. Everyone blames Narvix for leaving his human friends behind as bait for hate. Time is running out. Enlo is coming. Narvix is not ready yet. Will he be ready in time?

Maxwell should write in the comic book business. This is thanks to his tad overly vivid descriptions. True, these characters are “Out of this world.” and are outlandish looking. Sometimes, though, it is a little too much, at least for me. I experienced difficulty trying to imagine his world and these characters in my mind. They reminded me of something out of a Picasso painting. You can’t say he lacks vivid detail, though. All things considered, the story is entertaining, and there are parts where you are captivated.

I am looking forward to more adventures with Narvix.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dayron Maxwell is an author who writes fantasy and coming of age books. He is currently working on a series that will span six books. His hobbies include writing, traveling, and occasionally a good movie.

To learn more follow him on his website Dayron Maxwell and on FACEBOOK

Also, catch Dayron in his first Author interview over an Writer's Treasure Chest.

Book Review: Abridged Edition: Far Haven: A Quest for Certitude. A Fight for Justice (Part III of the Windflower Saga) By Aleksandra Layland

This is an abridged edition of "Far Haven: A Quest for Certitude. A Fight for Justice. (Part III of the Windflower Saga trilogy). Abridged by the author. Set in a time not now and in a world, not of our own. Centuries have passed since the Kingdom of Kimbria became a crowned republic. Peace and prosperity foster its entrance into an age of scientific discovery and early industrial development. Even so, pirates and crime rings continue to operate throughout the region, and injustice still rears its ugly head. A man sick in body, mind, and spirit stands on the deck of a steamship approaching the southern coast of Kimbria. He’s traveled far to come here. Disgraced and dishonored in his own homeland, convicted of a crime he can’t even remember, he’s lost any hope in his future. All he can think of now is silencing the screams he hears in the nightmares that disturb his sleep. Married by proxy and in name, only to a widow he’s never met, exiled from all he holds dear, he can’t imagine that the rugged cliffs before him will lead the way to love, healing, and justice.

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Review

Having read the original, I was able to read Far Haven in 2 days instead of 3 or 4…or more days. Still, I am not sure what exactly Layland took out. The story though does seem more straightforward. All the great key elements that made Far Haven so great and engrossing are still intact.

We meet Tribune Loris Kennet who gets himself quite in a pickle. Problem is he does not remember it. Others do and accuse him of a horrible crime. He is banished from his homeland. A hot mess and addicted to drugs and booze due to these horrid nightmares he has had. Loris is then for safety purposes is married off (just for appearances) to an unknown widow in another country. Kerriwen the widow though finds out his drug habit and helps to heal him. In the process, he discovers the truth behind the crime he was told he committed. It is then a quest for justice as in the midst Loris starts to fall for Kerriwen. Does she for him? You are going to have to read this epic tale yourself. 

If you are worried you might not be able to follow along since its book III do not worry. You do not have to read the first two book to really understand the story. Reading them in order though tells the tale of the long ducal family line of Ansgar in their world not of our own. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aleksandra Layland is a retired civil engineer and a federal civil servant who worked primarily for the United States Air Force as a senior installation engineering manager responsible for buildings, airfields, infrastructure, fire protection, and emergency preparedness. She also served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Western Caroline Islands where she helped build school classrooms and cafeterias, low-income housing, and simple village water distribution systems. Her other interests include arts and crafts, family genealogy, religion, and spirituality, fostering peace in the world, and enjoying retirement with family and friends.

The Windflower Saga series is comprised of the following volumes which trace the lives of members of the fictional Ansgar ducal family against a background of struggles between forces such as good and evil, love and hate, and war and peace. The series is a unique blending of traditional love stories and adventure and action stories in an "other world" setting, with serious spiritual and moral themes which are addressed in an overall uplifting tone. For all that the characters may face harsh realities, the story of the Ansgar family is a happy one.

Part I of the Trilogy:

"Ansgar: The Struggle of a People. The Triumph of the Heart."

Novellas and Stories Related to Part I:

"The Feathered Crown"

"Far Endeavor"

"Three Brothers of Ansgar"

"Bright Star, A Pony of the Kimbrii, A Windflower Saga Story for Kids"

"Tiyo, The Dog Who Saved Ansgar, A Windflower Saga Story for Kids"

Part II of the Trilogy:

"Of Wisdom and Valor: The Art of War. The Path of Peace."

Novellas and Stories Related to Part II:

"Bind Not the Heart"

"Leofric of Longridge"

"Keri and Kalina, A Windflower Saga Chapter Book"

"Golden Skye of Ansgar, A Windflower Saga Middle Grade Novel"

Part III of the Trilogy:

"Far Haven: A Quest for Certitude. A Fight for Justice."

Novellas and Stories Related to Part III:

"Albina"

"Courage of Ansgar"

"Swords of Ansgar"

Book Review: How to Draw with Photorealism: Drawing and Shading by Jasmina Susak

This book will help you improve your drawing and shading skills. You will learn how to apply pencils for a realistic, professional result correctly. The famous pencil artist and art teacher, Jasmina Susak, will demonstrate for you the techniques of drawing lifelike portraits and 3-dimensional objects. No matter what your experience level is, you can draw by following these easy step-by-step demonstrations. Whether you want to create drawings of fruits, learn how to draw water droplets or how to draw a face, eyes, nose, and lips, these drawing techniques and expert tips will show you how to get great results with graphite pencils.

Using her simple and unique approach to lifelike drawings, the author makes any subject approachable. You will also learn how to create smooth human skin, and straight and curly hair through the highly detailed tutorials.

In this book, you will find more than 200 high-quality images with all the visible details and written explanations for each step. If you want to take your drawings to the next level, this is the book for you. With the skills mastered from this book, you will be able to draw anything with ease, and you will be enriched with professional tips and advice that you will be able to take with you and apply to your future drawings.

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REVIEW

Jasmina believes everyone has the talent to draw. Some may need a little guidance more than others. Her art is so beautiful it is hard to believe! I decided to take up that challenge though. I would say I have a fair art talent, but with Jasmina’s guidance, I surprised myself once again. Her guidance is soft and kind and she gives her readers a feel of confident even though our piece may not have turned out the best on the first try. Jasmina is like the Bob Ross of art tutorials. This is why I love all her art books. She writes with such a confident tone believing in her readers, and whoever will pick up her books to learn from her. That is why her books stand out as the best from the rest.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jasmina Susak is a self-publishing author, a self-taught pencil artist and art teacher. She has sold more than 50,000 copies of her how-to-draw books, and they are translated into many languages. Jasmina's drawing videos have more than 100,000,000 views on social media, and she has more than 500,000 fans, followers, and subscribers worldwide.

 www.jasminasusak.com