Pure Jonel ~ Confessions of a Bibliophile: A.J. Nuest

Showing posts with label A.J. Nuest. Show all posts

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Braedric's Bane by A.J. Nuest

Title: Braedric's Bane

Series: The Golden Key Chronicles #4

Author: A.J. Nuest

Published: February 13th 2014 by HarperImpulseUK

Length: 121pgs

Format: ecopy

Genre: fantasy

Shelf: review

Rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

To escape the clutches of the evil Wizard Gaelleod, Rowena and Caedmon flee to the future. With her memories in tact and the help of her dear friends, Rowena is confident they can uncover the clues behind her connection to the key.

Yet Violet's dire prophecy does more than detail their history. Caedmon's worst fears are confirmed. Though they must return to his realm, everything he loves stands to be ripped from his grasp.

Join Caedmon and Rowena as they embark on an epic battle to protect the Austiere Kingdom and fight to safeguard their love in Braedric's Bane, Book IV of The Golden Key Chronicles.

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.

My Review:

This was definitely my favourite instalment in a series full of phenomenal novellas. Nuest’s writing really shines through with this one. Her descriptions are intricate yet vividly eye-catching, allowing the reader to visualise each and every moment of this awe inspiring tale. This author’s way with words allows her to weave this story so that it becomes part of her readers. You become intellectually and emotionally invested in the story. Nuest had me on the edge of my seat. There were so many twists and turns in this story that I couldn’t guess how it was going to end. I read this novella in a single sitting without batting an eye.

As phenomenal as the story was, the characters were even better. The two main characters alone create a vast array of character types in and of themselves. It was so intriguing to see them work together and against each other, always trying for what they believe is best. They are also such real and genuine people that you cannot help connecting with and rooting for them. The supporting cast was also phenomenally well put together. There are the good, the bad, and those that fall in between. They all come together to fill the world and bring the story to fulfilment.

My overall thoughts on Braedric’s Bane? This is a bitter sweet moment. What a brilliant ending to the series, but I’m sad to see it end. I’ll definitely be re-reading this one (and the rest of the series as well).

| Goodreads | Amazon |

or as part of The Golden Key Chronicles

| Amazon |

About the author:

I am a multi-published, award-winning author who lives in the middle of a cornfield in NW Indiana. My loving husband, two beautiful children and a bevy of spoiled pets have agreed to stay and, in exchange for three rations per day and laundry service, tolerate my lunacy. While I spend most days happily ensconced in crafting romance across a multitude of genres, an underground coup has been percolating. The dogs just informed me the cat is secretly vying for dictatorship.

And make sure to join us for the phenomenal giveaway with A.J. Nuest and The Golden Key Chronicles from April 26-May 20.

The prizes include:

Grand Prize -- Swag bag, jewelry and an e-book of The Golden Key Chronicles collection, which includes the bonus free read.

1st Place Prize -- an e-book of The Golden Key Chronicles Collection which includes the bonus free read.

2nd Place Prize -- The four original installments of the series, Books 1-4 of the collection

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Caedmon's Curse by A.J. Nuest

Title: Caedmon's Curse

Series: The Golden Key Chronicles #3

Author: A.J. Nuest

Published: January 9th 2014 by HarperImpulseUK

Format: ecopy

Genre: fantasy

Shelf: review

Rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The two years Prince Caedmon suffered in the dungeons of Seviere’s keep left him with more than just lash marks lacing his back. He now retains the secret behind the key, and is the only one who understands its grim connection to his beloved Rowena. Torn between telling her the truth and risking their future, he agrees to join her perilous quest. But their enemies to the north are not the only menace determined to see them fail and, to prove his love, he must conquer the demons of his past.

Join Caedmon and Rowena as they rediscover a love bound by fate, and struggle to unravel the significance behind Caedmon’s Curse, Book III in The Golden Key Chronicles.

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.

My Review:

What a rush! This novella is action packed and suspenseful with enough romance to make your heart soar. The illustrative language that Nuest uses paints a beautiful picture for the reader. It is so easy to get lost in this world alongside the characters. Nuest develops everything to its fullest, without losing the action of the story in descriptions. The entire story is in perfect balance.

The stark contrast between the two main characters is absolutely breathtaking. It’s also completely comical at times. You can’t help but giggle at the things that they come up with. Their back and forth is extremely striking. These characters are also so well developed by this point in time in the series that they easily carry the story on their own. The minimal supporting cast barely registered I was so focussed on these two.

My final thoughts on this one? You’re killing me!!!! I need more now. I can’t believe this series will be over with just one more instalment. I definitely won’t be ready to give these characters up.

| Goodreads | Shelfari |

| Amazon |

or as part of The Golden Key Chronicles

| Amazon |

About the author:

And make sure to join us for the phenomenal giveaway with A.J. Nuest and The Golden Key Chronicles from April 26-May 20.

The prizes include:

Grand Prize -- Swag bag, jewelry and an e-book of The Golden Key Chronicles collection, which includes the bonus free read.

1st Place Prize -- an e-book of The Golden Key Chronicles Collection which includes the bonus free read.

2nd Place Prize -- The four original installments of the series, Books 1-4 of the collection

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Candra's Freedom by A.J. Nuest

Title: Candra's Freedom

Series: The Golden Key Chronicles #2

Author: A.J. Nuest

Published: December 12th 2013 by HarperImpulseUK

Length: 88pgs

Format: ecopy

Genre: fantasy

Shelf: review

Rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The key would unlock his future and the safety of his kingdom, but he never imagined the sorceress would unlock his heart…

Lost in a world she doesn't recognize, Rowena struggles to find her place.

Yet her abilities with a blade and the loyalty of a fierce falcon don't discourage the heated advances of the handsome Prince Caedmon, and the connection between them seems much deeper than her troubled heart can recall.

Book 2 in the breathtaking new Fantasy Romance series from AJ Nuest!

My Review:

What a thrill. This one is lighter on the romance and heavier on the suspense than the first novella in the series, but delicious all the same. There is also much more subterfuge, but it’s just as gripping, if not more so. Nuest’s descriptions make you giggle while putting a vivid picture in your mind. This entire world is brought to life in an incomparable manner. She also writes exhilarating battle scenes filled with bravery and cunning that will have your nerves on edge. The entire read was a rush. If I wasn’t hooked on the series before I definitely am now.

Don’t even get me started on the characters. They are the same, yet different. The years between the instalments have changed them, yet you can still see the people they used to be. I’m definitely in love with the male lead. My heart breaks for him. I found myself rooting for his success. I also felt myself hurting for as well as being proud of the female lead. I couldn’t imagine two better suited individuals for the opposition that they play.

Overall? A phenomenal read. My favourite fantasy of the year to date. Nuest combines suspense with court intrigue in a manner that’s devilishly entertaining. As much as this novella wouldn’t make sense without reading the first in the series it’s still a must read for all!

| Goodreads | Shelfari |

| Amazon

or as part of The Golden Key Chronicles

| Amazon |

About the author:

And make sure to join us for the phenomenal giveaway with A.J. Nuest and The Golden Key Chronicles from April 26-May 20.

The prizes include:

Grand Prize -- Swag bag, jewelry and an e-book of The Golden Key Chronicles collection, which includes the bonus free read.

1st Place Prize -- an e-book of The Golden Key Chronicles Collection which includes the bonus free read.

2nd Place Prize -- The four original installments of the series, Books 1-4 of the collection

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, April 26, 2014

Rowena's Key by A.J. Nuest

Title: Rowena's Key

Series: The Golden Key Chronicles #1

Author: A.J. Nuest

Published: November 7th 2013 by HarperImpulse UK

Length: 109pgs

Format: ecopy

Genre: fantasy

Shelf: review

Rating: ★★★★★

Synopsis from Goodreads:

The key would unlock his future and the safety of his kingdom, but he never imagined the sorceress would unlock his heart…

Antiques restorer, Rowena Lindstrom, finds herself the owner of an ancestral armoire containing a hidden key and a magic mirror leading to another realm!

But the handsome warrior prince waiting on the other side is truly the final straw. This must be an elaborate joke, right? As she struggles to discover the truth, Rowena learns Prince Caedmon Austiere needs the key to save his kingdom. In the end, she cannot deny him anything. Including her heart.

My Review:

The descriptions in this novella are absolutely priceless, the detail exquisite. Nuest has the perfect mix of eloquence, subtlety, and brashness with this tale. You can’t help but laugh at the literal clash between fantasy and reality. It is the fundamental basis of this fast paced and suspenseful tale. And what a perfect cliff-hanger of an ending… The author balances concluding the current dilemma with giving us something we need to get back to. It is one of those fantasies that every woman would love to live and that every man would love to be part of.

There are really only 2 major players in this novella and they are both phenomenally well developed to suit who they are and the lives that they lead. Both their similarities and their differences shine through making you laugh and sigh in turn. The supporting cast was also quite intriguing. They were definitely the extremes of the stereotypes they portrayed. This whole cast is definitely larger than life

Overall this was a brilliant escape from the everyday. I, for one, will definitely be on pins and needles until I get to the sequel. I can definitely see this becoming one of my new favourite series.

| Goodreads | Shelfari |

| Amazon |

or as part of The Golden Key Chronicles

| Amazon |

About the author:

And make sure to join us for the phenomenal giveaway with A.J. Nuest and The Golden Key Chronicles from April 26-May 20.

The prizes include:

Grand Prize -- Swag bag, jewelry and an e-book of The Golden Key Chronicles collection, which includes the bonus free read.

1st Place Prize -- an e-book of The Golden Key Chronicles Collection which includes the bonus free read.

2nd Place Prize -- The four original installments of the series, Books 1-4 of the collection.

The giveaway is open from 4am Apr 26/14 until 11:59pm May 19/14.
Winners will be announced Apr 20/14.
Winners have 72hrs to claim their prize or another will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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