Kelly Walker (1)

Emariya’s world is divided into three – Sheas, Eltar, and Thalmas, each possessing a power of their own. Emariya herself is from Eltar, along with her brother and only sibling, Reeve. They are both set to follow their late-mother’s path – to bring the Three together and bring peace to their lands. One in which Emeriya is to be promised to the Prince of Thalmas, Prince Torian Ahlen. Can Emeriya trust the prince though? What are his true intentions? There is a rumor and a prophecy, show more which states when bloods of either heads are tied, there will be darkness in the days to follow. What is Emeriya to do? Will she go through with the promise?

Oh, how I enjoyed this book! I would have read it all in one go, if time permitted! Souls of the Stones Omnibus is three books immerge into one – with Cornerstone, Second Stone, and Broken Stone. Where have I been? How is it possible that I have only heard of Kelly Walker now?! By reading this book, it was a pleasure to learn of Kelly Walker’s skill to fuse – the romance, fantasy, and dystopian genres together; forming the most entertaining reads I have laid hands on. Even the ‘magical’ elements were not over done; the characters have abilities, and although it plays a huge role in the story, it does not take precedence over the other elements. Just the perfect amount of everything – when I am craving romance, I got it. When I am feeling the need for some action, I got it. When matters grow dim, one of the character’s remark or action lightens up the mood.

Since it is three books coming into one, action is constantly happening. And personally I love it! One minute Emariya and her companions are at her home in Elter, the next minute they are crossing mountains and fighting a group of assassins. Even then, it will not wear you out. Every move is unpredictable but that is the charm of it.

Getting into the characters mind, has to be what makes this read all the more interesting. It was a change to be able to know and feel what both the protagonist and secondary characters are feeling. Trying to state this without spoilers, let’s just say I was prepared to hate Reeve, at all cost. But every time his part comes up and it is told in his POV, I pity and sympathize with him. Same with Garith (Emariya’s best friend), I would not have felt as sorry for him, if I did not know what was actually going on in his mind. I believe by doing so, Kelly Walker wanted us to shed a few tears … and it worked.

If I were to choose one thing that I disliked, well, there really were not any. However the romance did make me cringe a little bit (in a – I have a silly smile on my face – kind of way). It was envying and gave me goose bumps all at the same time. (Who am I kidding? A girl needs some cringe-worthy romance from time to time! Guilty pleasure.)

As you reach the end of the book, there is no doubt Kelly Walker was confidence in the direction she is took with the series. No loose ends, the plot moved forward in a steady pace, with each character developing at every turn of a page.
Mesmerizing.

Favorite Quote:
“ But while this moment is absolute and the past is already decided, the future is a blank canvas”.

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This is the second Kelly Walker book I’ve read and she writes such interesting male characters! Good lord, I wish she could personally create me one and then make him real and then I’d marry the fuck out of him.

But not only does she write great dudes, she writes pretty great women. They’re not always considered the strongest women, but they strive for something better. I shouldn’t compare Angel to Lexi because they’re 2 very different people. While Angel was more of a guarded soul, show more Lexi is less guarded, and I feel that this makes her somewhat naïve.

I didn’t know Chadwell Farms was getting its own series but I’m so glad I got to delve into Lexi’s life. She was interesting enough in the first one that I was kind of hoping they’d get to know her a little better. She needed her own story.

Lexi is a college kid wanting to start over somewhere away from her less than happy home life where her family mourns the loss of a twin sister she never knew. Looking for the experiences that most college kids dream of (although I’ve never wanted to live in a dorm-ever. I’m glad my parents let me stay with them while I was in college) and making an equestrian name for herself. (NO clue that these type of schools existed. I know jack shit about horses so a lot of that flew right over my head).

Luckily, she gets a real sexy man to help her along with such quests.

“Kevin laughs a deep, throaty laugh. “Dude, you sound like you just woke up beneath a four-hundred-pound hooker.””

That’s a quote from No One’s Angel (if you haven’t read it, DO). I feel like I can start here because that was really the introduction of Kevin. Our mysterious, elusive, steel caged-heart Kevin. Our ex-Marine who now makes his living by attempting to make up for his past. With tattoos and government connections, he’s a sweet dream. (Arion is still my favorite, though. No doubt).

Inner thoughts brought to you by Kevin:
“Happy people seriously suck”
“His voice takes on a throaty edge and I know he’s feeling blessed or some shit.”

(I have come to the conclusion that I am the girl version of Kevin.)

Between high speed chase action and body guarding and sexual tension and secrets, there’s not much I hated. The reveal towards the end really knocked me on my ass and I was kind of stunned and confused for a while. (I cried like a baby, also).

Now that I know there are more books to come, I hope some of the other girls get their own story weaved together with one of the men from either of these books. I adore these swift, sweet romantic stories. show less

You know that groan us readers let out when we sense a book is going to conform to the standards and plot typical for YA?

That's what I expected, once I found out that the main character feels love instantly her and the love interest set eyes on each other. You'd think I'd hate this book's guts, right?

Wrong.

The author knows readers hate this, unless you're a 12-year-old. She set in place an interesting explanation for this, an explanation that actually made sense and didn't cause me to pull show more me hair out in frustration.

The concept of the three Stones is actually quite fascinating. The "three kingdoms on the brink of war" part of the plot is not very unusual for a fantasy, and to be honest, this book isn't very different from other fantasy stories, so I can't really bring myself to say that this book is especially unique.

With much loyalty for her kingdom, Riya, the main character, is easily likable and admirable. Not exactly a badass, but strong in her own way, willing to do whatever she can for her land.

Many may be confused by the sudden plot twist at the end. I appreciated this part. It caught me wholly off guard.

There was fantastic world-building, and coupled with the surprisingly good writing, made a well-written first novel. Admittedly, I caught myself dozing off a few times, whether it be from the lack of action at times or the overly-detailed descriptions.

While this book didn't blow me off my feet, it was still entertaining to read, and can even be considered a very fluffy read for its genre. It sets the base for future novels while leaving questions unanswered to keep our interest. I am thoroughly impressed. show less

I received a copy through Netgalley.

A fairly enjoyable fantasy read. I actually finished this one! (The last few epic fantasy type novels I've requested through Netgalley were rather disappointing so this one was a nice breath of fresh air).

I read first 20% or so reasonably quickly, but admittedly it was a while before I read some more and then again before I finished. The writing was okay, the plot was okay, everything seemed a little middle of the road.

I did find the main character show more likable enough but a little naive. As a Princess she was very unshakable in her belief in her kingdom, but then when she ventured out - and turns out the commoners don't hold the Crown in the same high respect she does and she's affronted by this. She just can't understand why. I found that a little annoying.

Though in the second half of the book (once I got past 53%) I found the plot really picked up. The main character gets some hard knocks and resolve to do something about it. Which made her more likable. There were some very moving scenes of hard to deal with grief which were quite emotional and well written. And gives the Princess the kick she needs.

She had always been a little high strung (in my opinion) but really pulls herself together for the good of her people, she makes some tough decisions to hope to improve the situation for her kingdom.

An enjoyable read, and while I might not have much of an interest in more of this series I would certainly be interested in more from this author.

So thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for granting my request to view the title.
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