Author: Trisha Wolfe
Genre: NA paranormal, fantasy
Published: April 19th 2013
Publisher:
Pages: 309
Source: ARC from author
Available at: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Goodreads Summary:
In the sand-covered queendom of Cavan, the goddess once saved a young Kaliope’s life, preventing the mercury her father attempted to hide in her blood from reaching her heart. Now, a cybernetic clamp filters it, but the silver streaks swirling faintly beneath her skin are a constant reminder that she’s different.
When nineteen-year-old Kaliope is chosen as head of the Nactue Guard, she becomes the sworn protector to her empress. In the midst of an invasion on a neighboring land, Kaliope is placed in charge of guarding Prince Caben, the last heir to his kingdom. But when they’re attacked by the feared Otherworlders, Caben and Kaliope are abducted and taken below to a realm where they must fight for their life in a caged arena.
Kaliope struggles to protect her princely charge, keeping him and herself alive while battling inhumanly opponents, and trying to save the stolen, sacred relic that will restore her empress’s life force and all of Cavan. And if she can somehow awaken the goddess within her, she may save what’s most important.
Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
My Rating of this Book – 5 out of 5 stars
My Review:
Though I was every impatient to meet Prince Caben—this is what happens when you read excerpts before reading the book, lol—Of Silver and Beasts captured my attention from page one! It built an amazing world that was a mix of modern technology and historical times, and mercury was the currency of the realm. And I loved the blend of different fantasy cultures and beliefs. Of Silver and Beasts was a thrilling adventure that simply kept me glued to its pages.
Now at first, I really wasn’t sure what to make of Kal at the beginning as a character. Overall, I really liked her, but when I first got into her head, she seemed a bit cold and hard to understand, at least until she started revealing bits and pieces of her past. And even then she was sort of closed off. But the more she let herself live and grow, the more I began to like her—even relate to her.
And then there was Prince Caben! YUM! He didn’t appear quite as fast as I would have liked, but at least he made an entrance. Caben has to be my ultimate Book Boyfriend crush, currently. Not only is he majorly swoon worthy—especially in chapter 24—but he was really the one who helped Kal grow throughout the novel. Plus, the clash of egos between the two of them was very entertaining. They were PERFECT for each other!
I also found the Otherworlders fascinating! I would say their appearance, cities, and life style were almost a mix from Morlocks, Orcs, and Wraths (Stargate Atlantis) in my imagination. Bax especially reminded me of my favorite Wrath from SG Atlantis, Todd. Bax intrigued me the moment he came into play and helped me see the events from another interesting view point.
Altogether, I have to say Of Silver and Beasts totally ROCKS!!! If you like action thrillers such as the Hunger Games, then this is a definite must read! And even if you don’t, I would still highly recommend adding it to you TBR list and giving it a try. It is so worth it! And the ending has a heart-wrenching twist you will never see coming!
Can’t wait for Of Darkness and Crowns (Goddess Wars #2)! *Squeal*
***Excerpt***
The cool sensation of the fresh water on my skin helps me forget my nerves and I lie back, floating just below the top of the water. My body dulls, the cold soothing my sore muscles, and I welcome the numbness. The ceiling of the cave is sprinkled with tiny clusters of white lights, dotting the canopy above our heads like stars in the sky. I feel as if I’m sitting on the rooftop of my apartment, staring at the night sky, not here in the Otherworld, awaiting my death.
The water rolls, rocking my body, and I glance over as Caben floats up beside me. He’s on his back also, and points to the lights dusting the cave ceiling.
“Diamonds,” he says.
“Really?” I don’t know much about any minerals other than mercury. And somehow, diamonds as our stars makes my chest heavy. It’s too beautiful. “How can you tell?”
“The ultraviolet light shows the impurities,” he says. “The imperfections actually absorb the dark light, causing the diamond to emit a visible glow.” He chuckles. “A very expensive lighting effect.”
I laugh. “Quite expensive.” They twinkle as they reflect the rippling water. “But almost more heavenly than the stars.” I lower my voice at the end, hoping he didn’t hear my spoken thoughts.
Caben doesn’t speak, and the trickling of the stream and lap of the pool becomes the only sound as we float in compatible silence. I could drift off, fall asleep in this peaceful place, but I know we still have a mission to complete before the Reckoning.
This thought awakens me, and I touch my feet to the bottom of the pool and begin to wade toward the edge.
I hear Caben’s heavy groan. “No you don’t,” he says, and captures the bottom of my tunic. He tugs me through the water, back to the pool’s center. “Not yet. This could be our last reprieve, and I plan for us to enjoy it.”
As I turn to face him, his fingers slip from my shirt to my waist, grazing my stomach. My skin prickles, and I shiver, matching the trembling water around us. His deep blue eyes meet mine, and he swallows, his Adam’s apple working. Slowly, he begins to inch up my tunic—
“Wait.” I place my hand on top of his.
He cranes an eyebrow. “It should really have time to dry before we go back.”
Logically, that makes sense. But the heated look he’s giving me says so much more. And regardless of the attraction I may feel for the prince—a woman would have to be blind—and whether or not we actually escape this hell … what then? We share an intimate moment once, and go back to our stations in life, simply pretending nothing happened?
Or maybe I’m reading too much into his gaze. He’s a man, and physical desire is self-serving. He may die … and he probably wants to bed a woman one last time. Everything about his character screams he’s not one who thinks past the moment.
I could lose myself for now, give in to the pulse quickening my blood with need, but I’ve never shown a man the clamp over my heart. It would have to be something I did for a different reason if I ever chose to do so. Not merely because I may die soon.
As I push his hand away and start to swim off, he grasps my waist, encircling his firm arms around my stomach, and pulls my back to his chest.
“Don’t run from me,” he breathes into my ear. “I’m not asking for anything. Not even whatever it is you’re hiding. Just stay here.”
Help Trisha and the Tuff Girl Legion get to 50 reviews on Amazon to read this full scene from Caben’s POV! Scene will release on Trisha’s blog. You can bookmark the bonus material here!
***Giveaway***
Author Trisha Wolfe is giving away $15 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal Cash, e-copy of Of Silver and Beasts, e-copy of Astarte’s Wrath, and Signed Bookmarks!!! To Enter, Click Here -> a Rafflecopter giveaway
Trisha Wolfe is the author of the YA Steampunk DESTINY’S FIRE (Omnific Publishing), the NA Historical/Supernatural ASTARTE’S WRATH, and the upcoming YA Utopian FIREBLOOD from Spencer Hill Press, October 2013. Her NA Dark Fantasy OF SILVER AND BEASTS available May 2013.
She’s the creator of YA Bound, a promotional site for the Young Adult genre. Also a member of SCWW and The Apocalypsies. Check out www.TrishaWolfe.com for more on her books and bonus material. Follow Trisha on Twitter @TrishWolfe and like her Facebook page for updates.
Kelsey Ketch 
Need to get this book!
LikeLike