FINDING DESTINY by Jean Johnston

A Sons of Destiny Series Book
Publisher: Berkley Sensation
Date published: January 4th, 2011
ISBN. 978-0-425-23862-2
Fantasy Romance
Paperback
Obtained by publisher
Reviewed by Dawn


Four novellas in one book set in the world of the Sons of Destiny series where danger, passion and more abound. Set in four nations: Sundara, the desert nation, Guildara, the high-tech nation, Arual, the most prosperous nation & Jenodan Isles, the Seafaring nation, in the magical world created by Jean Johnson.

The Slave tells a tale of a priestess who discovers an unexpected connection to a nobleman/slave who has secrets that may destroy their newfound love.

The Knight tells a tale of a diplomat who must try to turn a fragile bond between Arual and Guildara into something more permanent. When the diplomat Sir Zeilas meets the Guildaran’s leader, sparks fly.

The Mage tells a tale of a woman who thinks she is on a mission to forge ties with the King of Arual when instead she is his proposed bride. With the fate of two nations hanging in the balance, can she find a way to forgive the deception played on her and fall in love with the King?

The Pirate tells a tale of ships being plagued by pirates in the Jenodan Isles. When Capt. Ellett is sent to defeat the pirates, he finds something much more enticing-the pirate captain, Mita, a sexy woman who may just steal his heart.

If you haven’t read this author’s Sons of Destiny series than you might get a bit lost as these are short novellas set in that magical world. But for me this was a really good introduction to the series and I found that each story was unique in itself and highly enjoyable. Though each story is a bit different, the reader can enjoy how intricate this magical world is. I enjoyed finding out more about each nation and how they interconnect with one another. The writing is tight, stories flowed nicely from one to the other and the characters are very well written.

Each story is set in one of the nations populated in the Sons of Destiny series and the readers are treated to a chance to know the people and lands better. I found each story to be fresh, amusing and enjoyable all around though a few of the stories could have had been better off as longer stories as I wanted to know more about the characters and the nation. Jean Johnson is an amazing world builder and this collection of novellas is no exception. This is a rich world full of amazing people and nations that these four short novellas just wetted my appetite for more. If you haven’t read any of the Sons of Destiny books then this is your chance to get a feel of this author’s writing style and some of the places in the series. Each story is a wonderful ride from start to finish and the reader is left aching for more. The characters are very well written and the stories moved at a nice even pace.

FINDING DESTINY is a wonderful book that has me racing to read the Sons of Destiny series now. I look forward to seeing what else this author can come up with in the future.


THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW

FINDING DESTINY by Jean Johnson

Publisher: Berkley
Date published: January 2011
ISBN: 978-0-425-23862-2
Fantasy Romance
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie
Obtained by publisher


Here are four short stories set in a world of danger and passion. Jean Johnson gives her fans these new stories set in the same world as her Sons of Destiny novels.

SUNDARA – the first story introduces us to Eduor, a war-slave who is given the opportunity to be free. He comes to a village where he meets Chanson, an Arbran dyara. He also gets the opportunity to take care of the land of a man who has left for war, and if he doesn’t return until after the harvest is brought in, he gets to keep it. He also falls in love with Chanson, but the soldier returns unexpectedly early.

GUILDARA – Sir Zeilas comes to Guildaran as a diplomat to turn Arbran’s former enemy into an ally. Maybe though, when he meets the Guildaran leader an alliance of another sort would be better.

AURUL – Gabria is sent to Aurul because of a prophecy. She thought she was being sent as an envoy, but she is in for a big surprise, when the Seer King expects her to marry him. And he comes with an extra surprise.

JENODAN ISLES – Mage Captin Ellett has been sent to the Jenodan Isles, on a mission for his Seer King. It seems to be a long time before he finally meets the pirates that have been the cause of a lot of trouble on the coasts. Is another match in the making when he meets the beautiful, feisty pirate’s captain?

I really enjoyed these stories and savored them slowly. I think I have been missing something as I haven’t read any of the Sons of Destiny novels yet. I need to rectify that as soon as possible. Ms. Johnson has created an intriguing world and just as intriguing characters to inhabit it. Her stories are very realistic, the plots are written with heroes and heroines to root for. Her love scenes are sensually erotic and in no way over the top. Although they are pretty normal they are quite stimulating to read…phew! There is a lot of emotion.

I especially liked the first story and it was wonderful to see how Eduor was able to overcome his fears and phobias. I also really like the story set in Aurul with Gabria and the Seer King. Although she is to be a bride and has time to get to know her husband-to-be, she also has a lot of learning to do culturally and traditionally. Not so easy for her, especially when the Seer King is a rather special man and has an extra surprise of his own. I also loved the way Ms. Johnson wove her magic elements into the story. It was like reading an epic fantasy and I could really see these stories as a movie before my eyes as I read. I am sure that those who are already fans of the Sons of Destiny novels will love this offering. I know it’s whetted my appetite to go catch up!

This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.

SONS OF DESTINY BOOK 8: THE MAGE by Jean Johnson

Publisher Berkley
Date published April 2009
ISBN 978-0425225943
Fantasy Romance
Trade Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Danny




The final verse of the prophecy of the Sons of Destiny is about to come true.

Morganen is the last single brother on Nightfall, he was the matchmaker who played an important role in bringing his brothers together with their destined wives. Now it is finally his turn, but he knows that know one will be able to help him find his destiny, because his beloved Hope is not whom he thought she was. She is the Duchess of Nightfall who disappeared two centuries ago without a trace. Morganen realizes that his beloved could be the downfall of everything that they have achieved so far on Nightfall.

Wow, what a terrific ending for this wonderful saga. The readers get glimpses of the relationship between Morganen and Hope in the previous books of the series, but you would have never guessed what kind of secret is behind her person. Okay one knew that she lives in the same dimension where Queen Kelly came from, but who thought there would be such a world shaking secret.

I highly recommend that you read this series in the correct order, because all the books are strongly connected with each other, but the series is soooo much fun!

I am really sad that this is the last book of the Sons of Destiny series, but it is a worthy end. I am looking forward to what Ms. Johnson comes up next. She is definitely an author I will keep an eye on.

Thanks to Ms. Johnson for one of the best fantasy romance sagas in years!

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW

SONS OF DESTINY BOOK 7: THE FLAME by Jean Johnson

Publisher Berkley
Date published December 2008
ISBN 9780425224052
Fantasy Romance
Trade Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Danny



Pyromancer Koranen is maybe even lonelier than his brother Rydan, because his mere touch burns the other person. How should he ever find his destined bride? The only chance would be an Aquamancer, so he sees his chance when four of them visit the island of Nightfall.

Danau is in a similar position like Koranen just that her touch leads to frostbites. She hides her lonely heart behind a frosty persona and Koranen is the right person to melt the ice wall around her heart, if he finally sees that she is destiny.

THE FLAME is the wonderful story of two people who have been dealt a hard life by the gods. Koranen’s loneliness through the book was heartbreaking and it was great to see that he finally found his happiness. Both Koranen and Danau are multi-layered characters who will grip your interest from the first page onward. I could hardly put down the book.

Ms. Johnson did a great job with showing her readers more and more of the world outside of Nightfall. The whole world building in the Sons of Destiny series is absolutely fascinating. The various races and nations make the books so special.

I highly recommend that you read this series in the correct order, because all the books are strongly connected with each other, but the series is soooo much fun!

I am looking forward to reading THE MAGE, but I am also sad that this will be the last book of the series.

THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW

SONS OF DESTINY BOOK 6: THE STORM by Jean Johnson

Publisher Berkley
Date published September 2008
ISBN 978-0425222171
Fantasy Romance
Trade Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Danny



Arora is not a typical Shifterai (a natural shapeshifter), because instead of shapeshifting talents she posses magic. She hoped that mages would help her with her powers but they covet her powers, so that she has to flee her homeland. Together with her twin sisters she lands on the island of Nightfall after a shipwreck.

Rydan dreaded the prophecy for a long time and especially now when he encounters Arora, who he believes to be his twin destined bride. Arora seems to see beneath his mysterious and sometimes prickly exterior, will she be able open his heart?

A small warning should be issued, because THE STORM and the previous book of the Sons of the Destiny series, THE CAT share a parallel time frame. I was intrigued by the idea and I have to say, that Ms. Johnson did a really good job with both books.

Since I have read the first book of the series, I was looking forward to read Rydan’s story, because he is one of the most fascinating characters in the series. You can’t help yourself but fall in love with him, if you like your heroes not so perfect. Arora is the perfect heroine for him because she is the exact counterpoint of him and completes him perfectly.

I am so looking forward to see how the series continues!

I highly recommend that you read this series in the correct order, because all the books are strongly connected with each other, but the series is soooo much fun!



THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW

SONS OF DESTINY BOOK 5: THE CAT by Jean Johnson

Publisher Berkley
Date published June 2008
ISBN 978-0425231548
Fantasy romance
Trade Paperback
Obtained via: Publisher
Reviewed by Danny




Amara and Arora flee their home country and land on the island of Nightfall. Amara has sworn to protect her twin sister Arora, who is surrounded by a great mystery. Amara has a natural distrust against mages and suddenly she finds herself and her sister on an island full of mages. To add even more confusion to the already reigning chaos in her feelings and thoughts she meets Trevan, who tells her that she is his “destined” bride. She feels herself drawn to him, but he is a mage, and her experience is that mages can’t be trusted. So Trevan has his hands full to charm Amara and persuade her that he is worthy of her trust.

A small warning should be issued, because THE CAT and the following book of the Sons of the Destiny series, THE STORM share a parallel time frame. I was intrigued by the idea and I have to say, that Ms. Johnson did a really good job with both books.

Ms. Johnson introduces a new country and race in the world where the Sons of Destiny live, namely the Shifterai, who are natural shapeshifters in opposite to Trevan and Wolfer who use magic. Amara and Arora are wary when it comes to strangers, because of Arora’s secret.

The love story between Amara and Trevan is not the highlight of the book, because the encounters between Amara and Kelly, the Queen of Nightfall are highly entertaining. Both woman are very headstrong and passionate about their opinions, Kelly finally has to learn some long overdue lessons about diplomacy and forgiveness.

I highly recommend that you read this series in the correct order, because all the books are strongly connected with each other, but the series is soooo much fun!


THIS IS NOT AN ENDORSEMENT OF THIS BOOK. THIS IS AN OBJECTIVE UNBIASED REVIEW

THE MASTER: THE SONS OF DESTINY, BOOK 3 by Jean Johnson

Publisher Berkley Trade
Date published September 2007
ISBN 978-0-425-21706-1
Fantasy Romance
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn





Four sets of twins, eight brothers two years apart to the day-these eight will fulfill the prophecy of the Curse of the Eight. Banned to Nightfall Isle so they don’t tempt destiny, women are forbidden but when one is abducted and sold to a beautiful yet powerful Mage, he wonders if she is his Prophesied Disaster: his wife to be!

THE MASTER is a delightful blend of fantasy, romance and action that will surely peek your interest in this exquisite series. This reviewer has to mention this was the first book in this series I have read by this author and I am scrambling to get the others as it was a wonderful read one afternoon. Be prepared to succumb to the delights of Ms. Johnson’s imagination.

THE MASTER is about the third of these cursed brothers. Kidnapped by slavers and sold to a beautiful and powerful mage, Dominor wonders if she is his foretold mate. Intriguing blend of curses, sexy brothers, fated mates and prophecies makes this reader wonder if she can visit Nightfall Isle for herself! Terrific secondary characters keep the plot going and as you are introduced to the rest of the cast, get ready to get lost amid the fertile imagination of Ms. Johnson.

THE MASTER is definitely one of those books that will keep you enthralled from start to finish with its tight writing, fast pace and is utterly engaging. This reviewer was so caught up in the story I was up till the wee hours of the night reading Dominor’s story that I just had to find out what happens next! If you enjoy a wonderful blend of Fantasy, romance and magic then grab THE MASTER as well as her other books in this series. It is truly a magical reading adventure!

THE SONG: Book Four of the Sons of Destiny Series by Jean Johnson

Publisher Berkley
Date published February 2008
ISBN 978-0-425-21929-4
Fantasy Romance
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Danny



Evanor lost his voice when he saved his sister-in-law from an attack. Now he is a mage without power, because he is a voice mage. His last hope is the healer Mariel, who promised to follow her friend Serina to Nightfall together with her son. Evanor has the feeling that she might also be his destined bride, but he has to wait and see about this. As if his worries about his voice aren’t enough, the council of Katan comes to the island to stir up new trouble for the brothers and their mates.

Ms. Johnson delivers with each book a real keeper and THE SONG is no exception. It’s like Ms. Johnson and her mages put a spell on their readers, because the story is absolutely enchanting and takes the reader on a journey to the isle of Nightfall. One might worry that the theme of “the meeting of a destined bride” becomes a little bit boring, but Ms. Johnson manages to give each brother it’s very special story and twist in the plot.

The book is the fourth book of the SONS OF DESTINY series and although it is possible to start with this one, I promise you that you will run to the next bookstore to get the first three books, because these brothers are absolutely addictive. There should be a warning label that the books are addictive. I can hardly wait to read Trevan’s story “THE CAT”, which will be released in June 2008

I can highly recommend THE SONG, because it is the best book of this genre that I have read in months.

ELEMENTAL MAGIC by Sharon Shinn, Rebecca York, Carol Berg and Jean Johnson

Publisher Penguin Books
Date published November 2007
ISBN 978-0-425-21786-3
Romantic Fantasy
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Dawn





In Air find romance; In Fire find adventure; In Water find fantasy; And in Earth discover ultimate pleasure!

Join four authors as they use the magical elements of Air, Water, Fire and Earth to tell magical stories from these four talented authors that will make you yearn for your own brand of ELEMENTAL MAGIC.

In Bargain with the Wind by Sharon Shinn, this author recreates the fabled Cinderella story that leaves you longing for more. Breathless and captivating this definitely kicks off this wonderful anthology. This reviewer was enthralled by Ms. Shinn’s retelling of the classic fairytale and made this reviewer look for more in her backlist.

In Birthright by Jean Johnson, you will be enthralled by this fresh new voice on the fantasy romance genre. I recently picked up one of her books and could not put it down! In Birthright, get ready to see how Earth delivers ultimate pleasure and find yourself lost in the world of Jean Johnson.

In Unmasking Carol Berg does a remarkable job in delivering a story that has a striking universe full of demons, magic and some of the hottest passion this reviewer has read so far. Ms. Berg definitely keeps the reader captivated with Unmasking and delivers a one-two punch with her fabulous world.

Finally in Rebecca York’s Huntress’s Moon, you find yourselves with werewolves and love slaves. What a perfect ending to a great anthology. This reviewer was enthralled from the beginning and definitely has to check out Ms. York’s books.

ELEMENTAL MAGIC is one wild and entertaining ride into the world of Fantasy Romance. If you love the magical ways of the elements, then you will be delighted with ELEMENTAL MAGIC. If you love fast paced stories, magical romance and fiery passion, then check out this well written anthology with four of the hottest stars in the Fantasy Romance World.

AN ENCHANTED SEASON by Maggie Shayne, Erin McCarthy, Nalini Singh and Jean Johnson

Publisher Berkley
Date published October 2007
ISBN 978 0425217856
Romance Paranormal
Mass Market Paperback
Reviewed by Pam


Four short stories with a paranormal Christmas theme, which can be read at anytime.

MELTING FROSTY by Maggie Shayne
Matt and Holly had traumatic experiences in their youth during the Christmas holiday season. They both end up having very different outlooks and feelings about the time of year. Holly looks for the joy and love in all things, while Matt expects only emptiness and sorrow. Holly loves and embraces the season, while Matt hates it.

Is this fate or is the universe laughing at them? Matt is scared of feeling, but wonders, can the feelings he has for Holly be real.

Brought together by a series of miracles, stranded together by a snowstorm, this pair will have an everlasting effect on each other. They are both surprised at the way they feel about their time together.

It’s a story that could make people believe in miracles - especially the miracle of love. This reviewer was truly touched by the contrast of Matt's despair and Holly's hope. Both were palpable in their intensity and made for an unforgettable and heart-warming read.

The story starts out a little bit far fetched but turned into an enjoyable Christmas tale of two strangers, who find they more in common than they thought. A well crafted plot considering it was set around the journey of a hat.

CHARLOTTE'S WEB by Erin McCarthy
Charlotte and Will have been best friends for a long time and also secretly in love with each other. Neither seems to know how to change their friendship into a more intimate relationship. As luck would have it Charlotte's sisters, who fancy themselves witches, have some ideas on how to get them together. They both want the friendship, but they both yearn for far more and there seems to be no resolution. It's time for Charlotte and her sisters to tap into the magic of the holiday season and their family's witchy heritage. Charlotte will agree to almost any thing to catch Will's attention in a romantic way.

This is a very enjoyable story with a lovely plot and plenty going on. Charlotte and Will are very likeable and along with some funny moments they generate heat and sexual chemistry. It’s a delightful romance as the friends who have loved each other from afar for too long, finally come together. With barely hidden desire and Charlotte's long-stifled magical abilities, this is a fun tale to read.

BEAT OF TEMPTATION by Nalini Singh
Within the changeling leopard pack they should always feel safe, but another pack has destroyed the feeling. Nate and Tamsyn are changelings, who know that their souls are connected so they’re fated to be mates. Always drawn together but it is years before most shape shifters find their mate, during that time they enjoy independence and sexual freedom with multiple partners. Because of their age difference Nate has put off consummating their relationship, claiming he wants Tammy to see the world before they settle down.

Now she’s nineteen and the packs healer, she feels it is time. But still, Nate is determined to allow her the space and freedom to mature and find herself before he claims her.

Not very seasonal as far as a Christmas story but linked by a tree, as we follow their journey to acceptance. The concept is well written as we feel how the very space and freedom the hero gives his mate tortures them both. This reviewer enjoyed the Psy-Changeling world Ms. Singh has constructed. The premise made it easy to lose ones self in the story and relate to the characters. They were very believable and the emotional journey was very clear and brings their feelings to the readers.

GIFTS OF THE MAGI by Jean Johnson
Rachel and Steve have taken over his family Bed and Breakfast, but when a tornado damages the building their insurance company claims bankruptcy. They are close to losing their home and the business, with no idea how to change things. In the middle of a snow storm three strangers come to stay and things seem to change.

A twist on the three wise men traveling from far away, for this reviewer it wasn’t believable enough. Some of the dialogue was unbelievable and is my least liked in the anthology. The story was very slow at times making it a bit boring and preachy. This story lost its way soon after it began and the ending was hard to take. It never matched up to the other three stories in any way.