I loved the heroine, such a great lead, the H is much to be desired. So... this is a less polished story, the transitions between POV are very badly formatted (such an easy fix). Warning *rape trigger*. I've been on the hunt for strong, kick-ass heroines and this fit the bill. Could have been better, but I'm glad I read it. has much potential. ( )

I really liked this one. I would not call it fantasy romance, because yes there were romance...far at the end. Too many issues before that. So light romantic fantasy, something ;)

I liked the word, and the sprinkle of Swedish words here and there did make it better. And it does show the difference between places in this world.

First, the Chose are those with a mark of a Healer, a warrior or a Seer and they learn their trade so to say at a school. Kael is a warrior and now a feared pirate, warlord, but he does it in service of his Emperor. He is a good guy. Sure he says some wrong things when he first meets poor Ishtear, but he could not even imagine.

Ishtaer our heroine, wow, some of the more damaged heroines of late. I did like how it was portrayed, she was broken, she was timid, after years of abuse you do not just snap out of it. Not if you are that broken. So it takes time. Sure she learns the ways fast after it, but hey if you got it you got it. I guess that is how the Chosen work.

The romance comes late. A slow friendship, getting to know each other, living their own lives. The romance is not the focus, no, she needs to find herself. He needs to learn that everyone can't be protected.

Magic, fighting, a cool world, I do feel that Kate Johnson needs to write about other people in this world. She is on to something here. ( )

4 ½ Stars

Loved it!!! I want more of this world Kate Johnson created. ( )