Book Review: Prince of Fire by Megan Linski

Prince Of Fire

(Kingdom Saga #4)

by

Megan Linski

 

 

 

Synopsis

Thief lord. Wanted criminal. College student.

Zayde Amirmoez is in his last year of college at Ashana University, and he couldn’t be more eager to leave. A talented thief, Zayde makes a living by robbing jewelry stores in order to care for his ailing mother, who grows sicker each passing day.

Then the dreams begin. Zayde’s nightmares echo memories of a land from another time, visions of a mysterious princess who lived two thousand years ago. At the insistence of his annoying history professor, Zayde becomes friends with the beautiful freshman who loves to dance…the girl who looks exactly like the princess in his dreams.

As a dangerous new Dean and his spiteful son take the helm at Ashana University, Zayde learns of the legends of Queen Bennua, which are eerily similar to his nightmares. Could Zayde’s dreams be a coincidence? Or is it possible that Bennua and Zahid have returned, to save Sahrahn once more?

Review

I was under the assumption that Redemption From Ashes would be the last in the Kingdom Saga, so I was thrilled to find out there would be another book centering around sword wielding hottie, Zahid. Things are a bit different this time around. Prince of Fire takes place thousands of years in the future where the reader finds themselves in a modern day version of Ashana. Zahid (Zayde) and Bennua (Badhira) find each other again in a college history class. Most of your favorite characters from the series (mine being Shadi and Sajjaad ;) reunite for a new quest to save Sahrahan. The only problem is, Zayde and Bashira can't remember their past lives or even get along well enough to finish a history project together.

I have a lot of mixed feelings about this book. There wasn't anything in particular that I disliked about it, I just felt like it lacked a lot of the unique enchantment that pulled me so deep into the other books. Maybe it was the modern day setting or re-hash of old rivals that just didn't really interest me. The quest plot is more linear and lacks those crazy twists from the other books that would come out and punch me in the face.

I've never been a fan of "let's retell the story in the love interest's point of view", but I was pleasantly surprised during some of the dream flashbacks. The scene where Zahid wanders into the after life is incredibly beautiful. Definitely worth the ticket price! Zayde and Bashira have the same dynamic you've come to expect and it was a pleasure to watch them fall in love all over again. And I won't say too much, but I think this was one of my favorite endings in the series.

Overall, Prince of Fire just made me want to go back and read the whole series; which I definitely plan on doing. This book is built off the reader's nostalgia with some more mythical creatures, laughs, and warm fuzzy feelings added in. If you're a fan of this series at all, you don't want to miss it.

4 stars

* * * * 

 

Q&A with Megan Linski about Kingdom Saga #4

Today Megan Linski is answering the most popular questions readers have been asking about Prince of Fire, book 4 in The Kingdom Saga. I've already had the pleasure of reading it, and will be posting my review in a few days! For more about The Kingdom Saga, visit www.gryfynpublishing.com

Prince of Fire

Summary:

Thief lord. Wanted criminal. College student.

Zayde Amirmoez is in his last year of college at Ashana University, and he couldn’t be more eager to leave. A talented thief, Zayde makes a living by robbing jewelry stores in order to care for his ailing mother, who grows sicker each passing day.

Then the dreams begin. Zayde’s nightmares echo memories of a land from another time, visions of a mysterious princess who lived two thousand years ago. At the insistence of his annoying history professor, Zayde becomes friends with the beautiful freshman who loves to dance…the girl who looks exactly like the princess in his dreams.

As a dangerous new Dean and his spiteful son take the helm at Ashana University, Zayde learns of the legends of Queen Bennua, which are eerily similar to his nightmares. Could Zayde’s dreams be a coincidence? Or is it possible that Bennua and Zahid have returned, to save Sahrahn once more?

How did it compare writing Zayde’s voice, as opposed to Bashira’s?

It was very different writing Zayde’s (Zahid’s reincarnation) rather than Bashira’s this time around (Bennua’s reincarnation). Bashira likes to think on things and use all these complicated words, and ponders each situation before she goes into it. Zayde gets straight to the point and doesn’t like describing anything or being fancy in any way. Even when something bad is going on, he’ll try to make the situation humorous, or shrug it off instead of taking it head-on like Bashira. Bashira also likes talking about her emotions a lot, while Zayde doesn’t reveal anything about how he feels, even to himself. Everything’s very cut and dry with him. He’ll tell you enough to move the story along and make it interesting, but you have to read between the lines with him because he has to conceal everything. He likes living in the shadows and being quiet, and that’s just how he is. 

What are some of the main differences between Zahid/Zayde and Bennua/Bashira, and how are they going to be covered in Prince of Fire?

Bashira tends to be worried about everything, and Zayde takes everything in stride. As he sees it, bad things will happen when they happen, and he’ll deal with chaos when it comes, but not a second before. He doesn’t tend to get as riled up as she does. The world could be ending for Bashira, but for Zayde, it’s just another day. Something that did surprise me, though, was the dark side in him. It’s a lot bigger than I thought it was, and he hides it well, but sometimes his sadness and despair peeks out at the most surprising at times. It was a blast playing inside his head, because he’s so honest with you as a character. In the previous Kingdom novels, Bennua took so much more work because I had to cut through the layers and layers of her in order to discover who she really was. It took multiple drafts of Kingdom From Ashes to get her to open up, whereas Zayde in Prince of Fire was like, “Here it is, and this is as good as it’s gonna get, so you can take it or leave it.” 

Who do you believe is your most complex character within the Kingdom Saga?

I believe, more so than any of my other characters, that Bennua is more misunderstood than all the rest. I can agree with readers when they write me and tell me Alora (from the novel of the same name) is too prideful, too arrogant, when they say Kiatana (from Kiatana’s Journey) is aggressive and bratty, because that is who they are and who I made them to be. Bennua, however, is vastly more complicated than either of these two. There is always a hidden meaning behind her actions that few see or understand. Even she has trouble comprehending her decisions at times. Bennua has been referred to as brave, sacrificial, a true leader and hero, but has also been called selfish, eco-centric, and immature by the same readers who adore her. There are reasons why Bennua does the things she is apt to, and none of them come from a feeling of selfishness. Rather, her entire focal point as a character is centered around other people, much like Zahid. She makes decisions not on how they’ll affect her, but everyone else. 

So do you believe Bennua obtains undeserved criticism from readers? 

I wouldn’t say undeserved, as she does make irrational choices. Many readers forget Bennua has had no easy journey; she has lost multiple friends and members of her family along the way to bring peace to Sahrahn, as well as has been subjected to some of the worst experiences mankind has to offer at the ages of seventeen, eighteen, and twenty-one. Not to mention she’s felt the repercussions of a repressive society and a judgmental (and sometimes abusive) family during her childhood. The mistakes she made, and continues to make, come from a place of fear within her. Her worst fear, ultimately, is to be abandoned, and so she will do what it takes to work around that fear and keep the people in her life safe and happy, even if it means making herself miserable. This fear leads her to quick and misplaced decisions that wreak more havoc than she realizes. She longs to help too much, in an effort to be loved, and so it leads to chaos. 

What about Zahid? 

Readers are more willing to let Zahid’s flaws go because he conceals them, and so, we hardly ever see them. His true feelings and desires are rarely revealed to anyone, even Bennua. It can be hard to sympathize with Bennua at points, but what readers must understand is that she’s willing to share her true thoughts with readers. Zahid’s not. Many readers haven’t yet noticed that Zahid can be rather distant in his relationship with Bennua, which I cover more in Prince of Fire. Zahid’s biggest issue is that he shuts others out, and has a tendency to continue with whatever he's doing regardless of the problem at hand. You could have a knife to his throat, and he still won’t talk about how he really feels. In Prince of Fire, readers are going to see that Zahid does have a darker side to him, a flawed side, that Bennua loves just as much as all the other parts. His darkness makes him the man readers fell for.

Faith is a huge theme in The Kingdom Saga. Was this influenced by any personal beliefs of yours? 

I’ll always tell people that if you want to know what my beliefs are about a higher power, go read the Kingdom Saga. My faith parallels Bennua’s, while my doubt rivals Zahid’s. Only together do they make up what makes my faith, my faith. In recent years, I’d say one can’t get by without the other, even though I’ve spent plenty of time in both camps. The entire series has been an evaluation from where I started with “Alshams” until now. It’s definitely not always pretty, and the answers are few and far between, but regardless of whatever happens that higher power is always a central part of my life. Even if I try to escape it, that faith seems to tie my story together, just like it ties together the story of Bennua and Zahid.

Get 'Prince of Fire' Today! 

Book Basket Giveaway!

Gryfyn Publishing is giving away an autographed copy of 

Kingdom From Ashes! 

This was one of my favorite books last year so I wanted to share the opportunity with everyone. In addition to winning a fantastic book, you'll also get a basket of goodies. 

*** Sign up for Gryfyn Publishing's VIP list to enter!***

(psst...That's how I got all the books in the Kingdom Saga for free!)

Good Luck!

 

Book Review: Redemption From Ashes by Megan Linski

Redemption From Ashes

(The Kingdom Saga #3)

by

Megan Linski

Synopsis

Her destiny will cost her everything.

It has been three years since Queen Bennua last saw the devil himself flee her borders, and her kingdom warily stands watch. Sahrahn has fallen into chaos, with rumors of countries being flattened at the wrath of Akshalad, the great eagle who seeks to devour the souls of men. Cities burn, entire communities are slaughtered, and Bennua’s faith in Alshams’ is shaken to its core as she witnesses cruelties beyond all imagining. Guided only by blind faith, Bennua finds that she is to play a crucial role in a great battle between djinn, men, and angels, a fight that will determine the fate of the world. Carrying the future of Sahrahn, Bennua’s only hope is not revenge...but redemption.

Review

I was really excited to get the third book in the Kingdom Saga. I couldn't read it fast enough. Seriously, so many annoying day to day interruptions! The end of each chapter made me sigh and say, "How am I supposed to go back to work/cook dinner/reenter society now? This story, especially the epic ending, kept me up at night wondering what was next for our brave queen.

That said, DO NOT READ THE REST OF THIS REVIEW UNLESS YOU'VE READ THE FIRST TWO BOOKS.

*~*~*~*~* SPOILERS *~*~*~*~*

Everything seemed golden in Sahrahn when we last saw Bennua and Zahid, except for the ever present threat of Rukuh's revenge on the sizzling horizon. Redemption opens after three quiet years have passed without so much as a dark cloud. When a devastating curse is uncovered, Bennua realizes that darkness is quickly closing in on all she holds dear.

I really appreciated the depth of this story. Bennua is pretty much stripped of everything except her faith, and that is all she has to guide her through the third book. The internal dilemmas Bennua faces mirror those of modern times; things her readers can definitely relate to. Linski also gives a new twist on spiritual warfare with magic, monsters, and djinn.

The plot unfolds quickly with one surprise after another. One thing that I really liked, was that when the characters had to get from one place to another, there wasn't a whole chapter on the journey there. I think that really kept the pace going. 

Bennua, Zahid, Shadi, and Nuri are so fleshed out, I sometimes catch myself thinking about them as if they are real people. I love Bennua. I don't always agree with her decisions and the way she handles situations, but I find myself "counsoling" her as I would a friend. And Zahid. Oh, Zahid! Ladies, as if we didn't have enough of a reason to swoon over him! In this installment, he will put all of your other fictional crushes to shame. I promise. By the third book, Linski's characters are like old friends, the kind you wish you could take out and go with on vacation.

Redemption From Ashes is the best in this ground breaking series, and you would be a fool to miss it. Keep an eye out for #4, Prince of Fire coming early next year. From what I hear, it's a game changer. Can't wait!  

5 stars

* * * * *

 

Author Spotlight: Megan Linski

If you follow this blog at all you know that I'm a huge fan of The Kingdom Saga The Kingdom Saga by Megan Linski. I'm currently reading the ARC for the third book in the series, Redemption From Ashes, and I thought, what better way to celebrate than to feature her with an interview? Here she is talking about the second book in the series Fallen From Ashes.

(Compliments of grypynpublishing.com)

 

Describe your story. 

Fallen From Ashes is a mixture of Aladdin and 1001 Arabian Nights, with themes such as equality for women and staying faithful to your true love, no matter what the cost.

What inspired you to write Fallen From Ashes? 

Fallen From Ashes is the sequel to Kingdom From Ashes, #1 in the Kingdom Saga. When Kingdom from Ashes came out, I got such a high demand for a sequel that I knew I had to get right on making another story in The Kingdom Saga for my readers to explore.

What makes a story great, in your eyes?

I believe you have to have something different in your book that’s unique to you, and you have to stand for something. The books that mean the most and create the most change in the world aren’t afraid of making a

statement and not pleasing people. They’re not afraid to be bold, and I try to do the same thing in my writing.

Where do you live? Did your hometown influence your story?

My hometown is pretty small and boring, so to create the exotic, adventurous desert of Sahrahn (where The Kingdom Saga is set) became an escape for my readers and for me.

How long did it take to write Fallen From Ashes?

Kingdom From Ashes took nearly three years from start to finish. By drastic contrast, I wrote Fallen from Ashes in ten days and took a month to edit and revise.

 Who is your cover artist and editor?

I have two editors: Sam McClure from Resolution Edits, and Thalia Smithingell, who works for me under my company, Gryfyn Publishing. My cover artist is the amazing Clarissa Yeo of Yocla Designs.

What have you learned while writing and publishing? 

Before I started I thought I had a great plan and knew everything about marketing, but it turns out I didn’t know anything. Things that I’ve really worked hard on haven’t really panned out, and other things that I’ve ignored have ended up exploding my book’s visibility on Amazon. This is why it’s important to read marketing books and know how to get your product out there. A good one to start with is Write. Publish. Repeat.

What helped you when you got discouraged along the way?

When readers asked for a sequel to Kingdom From Ashes, I had absolutely nothing. No plot, no outline, not even an idea of where I wanted to go. I sat down and didn’t let myself get up until I had an outline. The Kingdom Saga requires a lot of research, because it takes place in an ancient Arabic society, so I did that as I went along and made sure to stick as close to Middle Eastern folklore as possible. I just had a fire lit underneath me, and I didn’t let myself stop. Now that I’m working on #3, that fire is gone and it’s a lot harder to keep writing, but I’m forcing myself through it and not allowing myself to quit, which makes all the difference in the world. When you stop making excuses and start expecting results of yourself, magic happens.

What would you do differently on the next book?

I would treat myself better! My work ethic when it comes to writing is absolutely crazy. It’s not uncommon for me to be icing my hands and wrapping my wrists late at night after I’m done writing. With Fallen, it took only ten days to write, and I didn’t plan it that way. I simply went crazy and wrote as much as I could. I personally think it’s one of the best books I’ve ever written, but when I was finished I was shaking and on the verge of vomiting. I really need to take better care of my temple, otherwise I won’t be able to produce!

Best piece of advice for first time writers?

Stop making excuses and do what you want to do! You’re wasting time and money waiting for the right time or the right opportunity to go ahead and do something. You can always fix mistakes later, but if you wait too long, you’ll miss your chance. One of my biggest mistakes was not publishing in 2011 like I wanted to during the indie boom and waiting until 2014. I lost precious time and sales because I was waiting around until things were perfectly in place, until I accepted the fact they never were going to be.

Before you publish, though, go ahead and read every single book on writing and marketing that you can. You need to accumulate as much knowledge as possible before you go into publishing. The more you know, the less difficult things will be later. 

Another thing: successful people network and know a lot of other people! You may complain that it’s not fair and your career shouldn’t be like high school, but the more popular you are and the more friends (READERS) you have, the more successful you will be. Most authors are natural introverts, and I am definitely not the most social person, but if your book really means the world to you then you will find a way to get yourself out there and make some acquaintances. It may seem unfair, but nobody is going to find you if you’re underneath a rock. Posting your book everywhere, paying for lots of advertisements and spamming people doesn’t work. Making connections and lasting friendships does.

Where can readers find you?

At my site, meganlinski.com, and you can sign up for my VIP list here!

Check out the series before I post my review for the 3rd book! Megan is currently participating in NaNoWriMo, working on a retelling of the first book in the Raider Prince's point of view.

Character Interview - Zahid from 'Fallen From Ashes'

Zahid 

from

Fallen From Ashes

by 

Megan Linski

 

 

 

Hello everyone! It’s me again, Remy Injay, indie book reporter. Today we’re interviewing the totally hot (and drop-dead gorgeous) prince of thieves Zahid from the novel Fallen From Ashes, #2 in the highly-anticipated Kingdom Saga! How are you doing today, handsome?

Try to keep your drool off the table, miss. I’m a married man now.

That’s right! (Obnoxious moaning of women in the background). Now now, ladies, we can’t ALL get to him. Though I wouldn’t mind a turn...

Anyway.

Anyway! In the last book, Kingdom From Ashes, you and your beautiful wife, Bennua, went on an exotic adventure throughout the desert and saved the kingdom from an evil warlord. What’s different in #2?

There’s lot more of our culture to be experienced than the first time around. Readers who want to see a mythical side of our world have the chance to be transported into a realm of monsters and magic. There’s djinn, dragons, and all sorts of perils we have to face. If you liked the adventure of the first book, and the feeling of being transported to an exotic land, this takes you even further into that experience.

So you’re keeping the 1001 Arabian Nights theme going, correct?

I uh...I have no idea what that is.

Oh, right. Sorry. No culture exchange between worlds. I heard there was a new man catching Bennua’s eye. Huh? HUUUHHH?

You have a lot of nerve asking that question, Remy.

What, I can’t pry?

If you read the book, you wouldn’t even think of being so rude. The last few chapters had the fans sending death threats to the author for weeks.

Ouch! Harsh! ...So she picks the other guy?

...I’m going to stay my patience and complain to the author later about this, Remy. All you need to know is the epic romance is going to continue from Book 1 onto Book 2, but it’s a lot less fairy tale. Real life hits Bennua and I, and I guess I have to be honest and say we don’t cope with it well.

So what’s the verdict then, from the fans?

All the author will tell me is it’s quite an emotional ride for them. The few people on her team that have read it already have very strong feelings for it. I suppose it’s a book that gets a response from you. I know I paid the price heavily for it.

DOES THAT MEAN YOU’RE SINGLE?!?!?!

I love Bennua.

Right. Of course you do. Anyway, that’s a wrap! This is Remy Injay, signing out, and make sure to grab a copy of Fallen From Ashes by Megan Linski, out October 10th! 

 Find 'Fallen From Ashes' Here

Book Review: Fallen From Ashes by Megan Linski

Fallen From Ashes

 

by 

 

Megan Linski

(The Kingdom Saga, Book #2)

Synopsis 

 Queen Bennua has grown into a powerful ruler. With her new laws encouraging rights for both men and women, Haya-Maa has grown from a small city into a prosperous nation. Engaged to Zahid, the handsome Raider Prince, it would seem the young Queen is ready to lead the desert of Sahrahn into paradise.

But not all are so eager to follow the new Queen. A short time into her rule Haya-Maa erupts into civil war, rebels opposing the idea of a woman in power. With no other option Bennua must embark on a quest to find her missing friend, Toshana, who could hold the key to ending the bloodshed. Yet as her journey wears on Bennua discovers her title as Queen powerless against the wrath of gods and the wars of men. At her breaking point, Bennua finds the only way to save her country and defend her people...is to offer a devastating sacrifice.

Review

If you've yet to read book #1, Kingdom From Ashes, take a look at my review and see why I gave this story 5 stars. I've been anxiously waiting to read more about Bennua and the Raider Prince, so I was delighted when an ARC from Grypyn Publishing showed up in my inbox.

I actually finished this book awhile ago, but I've put off doing the review because I have trouble finding the right words to describe how much I love this series! The setting is so unique that I feel as though I'm being whisked far away every time I settle down to read it. Somehow I've managed to become obsessed with Bennua and Zahid the way most people obsess over celebrity couples.

Fallen From Ashes opens with their wedding and celebrations. It was quite satisfying to witness these two finally get the happiness they deserve. But the honeymoon ends abruptly when royal duties send them off on a dangerous adventure and their marriage is put to the ultimate test. On their journey, they meet up with some intriguing characters and a lot of the unexpected. Turns out the desert of Sahrahn is littered with mythical beasts and dangerous magic. The newly weds not only have to battle monsters, but also their differences in personality and faith - all while trying to keep the peace during a civil war! It's fantastic. A great story.

The only thing that annoyed me a little bit was the fact that Bennua and Zahid could have avoided so much brooding if they would have just TALKED TO EACH OTHER! At one point, I wanted to whack the two of them upside the head. Then again, I can't say that I'm not guilty of the same thing sometimes.

This book took such a toll on me emotionally. While I was reading it, I went from squealing, to biting my nails, to screaming, and then making anonymous death threats to the author. I've finally recovered and I can't wait to read Redemption from Ashes, due out this winter. Megan Linski instantly captivates the reader and holds them prisoner in this desert paradise. I devoured this story and am desperately craving more.

5 Stars

* * * * *

 

Megan Linski is looking for reviewers for Kingdom From Ashes. That means you'll get to read the book for FREE!! I highly recommend it. Contact her through gryfynpublishing@gmail.com