Tuesday, April 29, 2014

The Shadow Prince by Stacey O'Neale ~ Guest Post, Review & Giveaway




Guest Post Question:
Why did you want to create a series about elementals?

By Stacey O'Neale
I wanted to write a paranormal series without using one of the popular characters like vampires, werewolves, and witches. When I was researching faeries, I came across the word elemental. I googled it and found a page about a sixteenth century alchemist named Paracelsus. He tied them to the four basic elements of nature (earth, air, fire, and water) and even named them. I thought the idea was incredibly fascinating. As I continued my research, I found other sources which referred to elementals as 'Nature's Angels' meaning all nature creatures (faeries, mermaids, gnomes, elves, etc.) were all considered elementals. Putting all these creatures together opened up a lot of possibilities. My brain went into overdrive, and before I knew it, I had created this whole new world within our own world. The elemental world has the potential for so many storylines. As of right now, it's only three books (novella plus three full-length novels) but I could see myself expanding it if readers were interested. I guess I'll have to wait and see. J    
Every sacrifice has consequences.


This prequel novella is FREE and available on Goodreads, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble!

Every sacrifice has consequences.

Sixteen-year-old Rowan has spent most of his life living among the mortals—learning to control the element of fire, impatiently awaiting the day his vengeful mother, Queen Prisma, will abdicate her throne. When he finally returns to Avalon for his coronation, his mother insists he must first prove his loyalty to the court by completing a secret mission:

Kill Kalin, the half-human, half-elemental daughter of the air court king.

Willing to do anything to remove his mother from power, he agrees to sacrifice the halfling. He returns to the mortal world with his best friend, Marcus, determined to kill the princess. But as he devises a plan, he starts to question whether or not he's capable of completing such a heinous task. And what price he will pay if he refuses?


Available for FREE on Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Also available in PRINT from Amazon



My Thoughts:

 

4 stars - A great start to what's sure to be a great series!

I haven't read a lot of paranormal lately, so I was excited to read this novella.  I love the cover and the blurb is certainly intriguing. 


I immediately loved Rowen.  He's the son of the Fire Queen but his mother hates him.  When he's asked to do the unthinkable, he tries to follow her command but he can't.  He has a strong sense of right even if his mother doesn't.  He has a great friendship with a hound and that made me both happy and sad.  You'll see why.

I can't tell you the rest but I very much want to know what's going to happen in the life of Rowen.  It's not been so nice so far.  But he is strong and good.  I know he will find a way to do the right things for his people.


I read this novella straight through.  It's short but the story is strong.  I really enjoyed it.  I might have wanted more in a few places but it is only the prequel.  I'm sure my desire will be granted in the next book. 


This book would be great for anyone who loves paranormal, heavy on the elemental magic.  I love elemental magic so it was a good fit.



About the author:
Stacey O'Neale lives in Annapolis, Maryland. When she's not writing, she spends her time fangirling over books, blogging, watching fantasy television shows, cheering for the Baltimore Ravens, and hanging out with her husband and daughter.
Her career in publishing started as a blogger-turned-publicist for two successful small publishers. Stacey writes young adult paranormal romance and adult science fiction romance. Her books always include swoon-worthy heroes, snarky heroines, and lots of kissing.
Stacey loves hearing from readers.


https://www.facebook.com/StaceyMONealehttps://twitter.com/StaceyONealehttps://staceyoneale.com/https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7765793.Stacey_O_Nealehttp://www.pinterest.com/staceyoneale/



The Series

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20542942-the-shadow-princehttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20740634-mortal-enchantment


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9 comments:

  1. The idea of Elementals sounds fascinating! Rowen sounds like a great character, and I can tell you enjoyed this novella! I'm missed reading paranormal stories, and this sounds like a great start to a new paranormal series! Wonderful Review & Guest Post Val :)

    Lindy@ A Bookish Escape

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  2. Thanks for being part of the tour and for the fantastic review. :-)

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  3. I would choose water- it would be nice to choose where it goes especially if it's raining when I don't want it to be.

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  4. I would pick air...I think that would be the most useful element to control for self defense.

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  5. I would pick air! I've always had an obsession with Storm off X-men, lol

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  6. I would pick water - that would turn me into the most powerful, I think! :-)

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  7. I would pick Fire because it would be so dangerous and so much fun

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  8. I am excited for Stacey's new series. I would pick water, I think.

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