Thursday, April 11, 2013

Review: Astarte's Wrath by Trisha Wolfe

Astarte's Wrath (Kythan Guardians)
Astarte's Wrath by Trisha Wolfe
A tragic love story.
Two thousand years before Dez Harkly developed her secret powers, Guardian Astarte was vowed to protect by the binds enslaving her to the Egyptian pharaohs. Discover the prophecy that originated from a very different time, and spans generations to link two very different girls.
This is the beginning.
Set against the backdrop of the Battle of Actium, in the city of Alexandria, Star struggles with her guardian duties as her feelings for the newly named pharaoh of Egypt grow deeper. Not only is Caesarion her duty, he’s the son of Cleopatra, and he’s human. All of which makes their love forbidden.
But when a conspiracy linked to Caesar creeps into Alexandria, Star must choose between helping her fellow Kythan free themselves of their servitude, and protecting her charge—the last pharaoh—while Egypt burns around her.

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Publishes in US: March 2nd 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal
Source: Author for review
Series? Yes. Kythan Guardians. The 1st is Destiny's Fire, and you can read my review here. Can be read as stand-alone though. No info on the next book yet.

Buy it: Amazon Barnes and Noble Kobo

Find Trisha Wolfe online: site   Facebook | Twitter | Tumblr | YouTube Channel


   Astarte's wrath begins with quite a bang. There is lots of action, and it is a fast paced and addictive read.
   The historical aspects of the story were well done. It felt natural to the world building and as person that usually doesn't do historical fiction that is a very good thing.
    Liked how tough Star is and how she respects her position and takes it seriously but also knows when a fight is needed. She is a great main character to read about with her resolve, her skills, and how she questions what needs to be questioned. Her internal struggles and journey to growth was superb.
    Love the glimpses of past with her and Xarion, as well as the moments they share together.  The forbidden love is so steamy, I love it so much. There are def some moments that are for mature teens and adults only. But every second was like heaven. Trisha writes romance that leaves me swoony and with a smile on my face. But nothing is ever easy. Star has to make some choices that conflict her so much, and rightly so.
   Pheonix is such a fun character. Sure he is brass, and he loves women... A lot of them... But that is all coming from the culture, where Star is the one that is different in not sleeping with others. And the brassness comes in handy when he and Star are bantering. He always adds a stress relieving laugh, which I think helps to ground Star.
    The mystery of the Candra and the race is great, and kept me guessing what their motivations are and where they came from. 
    I couldn't believe the betrayal that is near the end. It made me want to cry, and I was right there with Star wanting to throttle the betrayer and the circumstances that led to the betrayal. 
    Wow. The ending was heartbreaking and perfect all wrapped into one. I love this world, and its characters, and I can't wait for more with Dez in the future. It was so neat to get a view of the sacrifices, love and warring that led to her story with Star. 

awesome quote: 
“I would give up my crown if it meant finding a way to free you, Star.” He releases my hand. “But you have to want that freedom. Not fear it.”

Bottom Line: Beautifully written story filled with action and romance. 

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you think you could be happy being a guardian (technically a slave, but Star is happy with her duties although others are not)?

34 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. This one sounds like a book I'd really enjoy reading. :) thanks for the review! I love anything Egyptian. I just don't like the sound of 'treats women badly'.

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    1. I guess I didn't quite phrase that right. The culture was different, so it wasn't all monogamous, and I see that as treating bad because I am imposing my culture on theirs

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  3. wonderful review Brandi, I think i was sent this book but was leery because I hadn't read any of the series..but I love the historical aspect and I am exciting that you felt it worked as a standalone. lovely review cupcake!

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    1. You don't have to read Destiny's Fire, but I think you prb should because I think its awesome

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  4. This sounds like a perfect romance!

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  5. I don't think I've seen many reviews for this one around yet, so yours is one of the firsts. Glad you enjoyed it, Brandi! I must admit that Astarte's Wrath never really caught my attention when I stumbled across it, but your review definitely boosted my thoughts of it. Star sounds like most typical YA heroines, so I think I'll like her a lot. And, of course, how can I say no to swoony romance? ;)

    Great review!

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    1. She is a great heroine, and a swoony romance. It rocks my world

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  6. Wow, this book sounds amazing! I've heard some amazing buzz about Trisha's writing, and I already downloaded this, so now I'm super excited to get started on it. I'm looking forward to the romance! Great review :-)

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    1. Will watch for your review, and any buzz is warranted

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  7. My friend Christy @ Love of books is a big fan of this series and I want to check it out. A big betrayal that is always so shocking and hurtful. I didn't read love triangle or cliffhanger in your review so that is a good thing. Hmm... could I be happy as a slave I highly doubt it. Unless I had a good ownser and was treated well. I guess though you have to try to be happy no matter your circumstances.

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    1. No triangle at all, one man girl :)

      She was a slave and sworn to protect Xarion and wanted to have that responsibility

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  8. I guess if a person sees freedom and joy as one, he/she will feel free regardless of the circumstances. Thanks for sharing how much you loved this story, Brandi! I feel like I really want to get to know Star and Xarion after reading your review :)

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  9. I haven't heard of this one but it sounds good. Love the sound of the twists.

    As for the question... nope, but I'm curious how this one portrays it.

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  10. Not heard of this on before! must read it!

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  11. I thought this was a beautiful story, too. Have you read Destiny's Fire? I loved that one.
    Great review, Brandi!

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  12. Wonderful! I love things abour egypt and I also love the cover. I want to know more about the betrayal!!!

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  13. I really like the sound of this one and I'm happy to hear it can be read as a stand alone, though I'd probably read the first one. I love books based in or around Egypt. Great review!

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  14. I am very touchy about historial stories, I need them to be well done and fairly accurate and I'm glad this was achieved so well.
    Wonderful review!

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  15. Yup, I LOVED this book. I loved Destiny's Fire, but I think I love this one a little more. And the intertwining real history with the story was great! Trisha rocks!

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  16. Glad you enjoyed it! I love that quote you shared; beautiful.

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  17. I so want to read an Egyptian book. I don't think I ever have. This one sounds amazing. I love when a book starts and ends with a bang.

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  18. I have been bearing great things about this one. After this review I may have to give it a shot.

    Teresa @ Readers Live A Thousand Lives

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  19. I haven't read this series but you make it sound like I really need to. I hate cliffies, but I could read the first and second I guess. I do love ancient Egypt. And heartbreak! Great review, Brandi!

    Heather

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  20. Interesting story, I'm not a fan on Egyptian culture but this I think I'd read. More of a slave than a guardian it seems, I think a guardian would have more freedom, I don't know I think I need to read this. I don't think I'd be happy though, I love freedom too much lol

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  21. Once upon a time I was really curious about reading this book. I heard some amazing things about it. Now I kinda of forgot about it but with your review my curiosity is back :) Great review :)

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  22. I don't think I've come across this series before, immediately I would think that it wouldn't be for me, but after your praising review I sure am intrigued about what happens. Great review Brandi! :)

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  23. I enjoyed your review and I think I need to pick this one up.

    Would I enjoy being a guardian? Well, I'd need to read the book to accurately answer that but probably not if it's essentially being a slave.

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