Review: Celtic Storms by Delaney Rhodes

Celtic Storms book 1 in Celtic Steel
Author: Delaney Rhodes
Published: Feb. 2012
Formats: Kindle, paperback




*Received from bookplex


















Book Blurb:


Darina O'Malley watched the sun set in the bay from the great tower in O'Malley castle - saying a silent prayer for her cousin Kyra and hoping the message that was delivered to the MacCahan's did not spell sudden doom for her and her people. If what her Uncle Ruarc had told her was true, she was to be married to a stranger in less than five days and her world would turn upside down.

The realization that her clan held secrets which could destroy them forever chilled her blood. Who was this son of a Laird she was betrothed to and how would he react when he learned the truth?




My Feelings:

Celtic Storms surprised me so much!  When I first picked this up, I thought it was just going to be a historical romance, which I was fine with because I really enjoy that genre too.  But I was super happy when I realized this story has a magical aspect to it.   

Darina O'Malley is a strong female character that everyone looks up to but can be a little stubborn too.  She has strong magical roots but doesn't want to believe in it because of everything she has gone through in her life.  

Patrick MacCahan is a honorable male lead and I fell in love with him the moment he came into the story.  Unlike most heartthrobs in some stories, Patrick has a few things that could be seen as a weakness, but to me just adds more to his character and makes him even more charming.  

I love that Mrs. Rhodes wrote him like this, instead of making him like every other character in other romance novels.  He has such personality and has a little magic mixed in with all that manly goodness!

Besides, these two leads, we have plenty of other characters that will make us laugh, cry, and just want to scream sometimes!  I especially like Kyra, Darina's cousin, and I hope to see more in her future too.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone and I am patiently waiting until I can get my hands on the next book.  This story does leave off abruptly, but I think that just makes you crave the next book even more! 

I have to give this book 5 hearts because I am absolutely in love with this series!

Want to pick up a copy for yourself? 

Review: All's Fair in Vanity'War

I am super excited about this book, All's Fair in Vanity's War, for many reasons.  

It is a fantasy book that has hot Druids in it.  Yep that is definitely a major plus.  But besides that, it has Celtic mythology and lore in it.  I love everything about the Irish anyways; it just seems like Ireland is a magical place. This book pretty much confirms it for me.  

This is the first book in the series, The Seer's Seven Deadly Fairy Tales, by Elizabeth Marx.  I seriously believe these books are going to be another wonderful young adult series to rock our bookshelves.  

The story takes place mainly in the town of Salem,where all the Witch trials happened.  It is about the lives of teenage Druids, vates, and bards, and one ordinary teenager that becomes very important to them all. 

This story has a lot of elements to it; romance, magical aspects, mystery, and comedy.  No one could get bored with this story, especially, when the action starts happening just within a few pages of the book.  This is a very fast paced story but still very good about explaining everything to us.

I love how the Seer in this book is not your typical one.  Most seers are wise old crones that are hard to relate to, but this Seer is just a teenage herself.  A southern teenager, mind you.  And we Southerners have some funny sayings just as this Seer does too.

Another reason I am in love with this novel is how Marx explains the Celtic mythology in this story.  The lore and myths of the Celts are so beautiful woven in here, the words just flow beautifully.  

As I read, I experienced different emotions along this journey.  I was in tears, then cheering along for the heroes, and I was constantly laughing at all the very cool sayings.  

I did struggle with some of the dialogue,although, and had to re read some lines over again to figure out who was speaking.  

There are some positive messages to take away from this story as well.  One is to be happy with who you are. Embrace the traits that make you special and even different, in fact, it is okay to be different.  

I think this story is a great addition to your reading library and I encourage you to give it a try.