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Saturday 11 February 2012

Guest Review: Bastian by Elizabeth Amber


Bastian
by Elizabeth Amber
(Lords of Satyr # 6)

Elizabeth Amber has created a world of fantasy, based in the old religions and histories of Europe and Rome. The rich textures of this world are fascinating, and the mix of real history and fantasy are designed to draw the reader into the story. I will admit that I found this one slow going at first, but soon became enthralled by the story of betrayal and salvation unfolding in Silvia’s story. And make no mistake about it-this is Silvia’s story just as much as it is Bastian’s. There is a back-story here, the history of Michaela and Silvia, their lives as Vestal Virgins, and how each chose their own very different path to happiness and acceptance.

Silvia is a strong and determined woman, eager to achieve her goals. As Michaela’s best friend, she feels guilty when she finds herself falling for Bastian, but as Michaela’s most loyal friend, she denies the attraction, even to herself. I watched as she went from host to host, taking each character as her own, and trying to fulfill the death wish of each host. Whether male or female, child or adult, she gains a bit from each host, and has become very adept at what she does. Sensuous yet innocent, Silvia is a marvelous mix of the many personalities united in one very old soul. I like that she refuses to be deterred from her goal of freeing her fellow Ephemerals held captive by the evil Pontifex, even if it means giving up any happiness she could have with Bastian.

Bastian is the perfect image of the hero. Tall, dark and exceedingly virile, he is the ideal every woman seeks, but rarely finds. I liked that he isn’t perfect, however, and his small flaws make him more attractive overall. I loved the irony of a man whose family is in the wine industry being unable to touch liquor in any for without disastrous effects. As a very successful excavator and archaeologist, he has hidden the fact of his colorblindness from everyone. I loved that it was only through Silvia that he gained the colors in his vision, and thus always knew her, no matter what form she came to him in once he realized the cause. And I loved that he was willing to love and accept her, no matter what form she took, male or female.

This is a story filled with danger, for both Silvia and Bastian. Bastian is seeking the very same stones that Silvia is, but for a different reason. He believes, and rightly so, that the six stones on the Earth side are keeping the existence of ‘other kind’ hidden from the humans, and fears what could happen if the stones leave earth for the Elseworld. Sylvia believes the stones will free her ‘sisters’ held captive for so many centuries. It is also a story filled with passion, romance and scorchingly hot sex in many unusual places. Which one will beat the odds to achieve their goals? Will these two ever be able to be together, and love each other for who they really are? You must read Bastian to find the answer to that. I promise you, it is worth the trip.

Can this story be any hotter? Yes it can, and things just get better and better!!! This one, like all the Lords of Satyr, is well worth reading over and over. 
We'd like to thank Nancy for providing UTC with a guest review of Bastian!  

21 comments:

Renee said...

From what you wrote, it sounds like it couldn't help but be a 5 on the fire rating. I can't wait to read it!

Joanne said...

Great review. I like that Bastian is "exceedingly virile." Who wouldn't like that.

e.balinski(at)att(dot)net

Di said...

That's quite a great review - I've guess I've been missing something special by not having read this series.

ELF said...

Looks like another excellent addition to this unique series.

erin said...

Thanks for the great review! I've been looking for a new series and this looks hawt!!! I love how unique the premise is.

June M. said...

I have had this series on my wishlist for a while. It sounds like a great, hot book that is a must read. Thank you for the great review.
June
manning_j2004 at yahoo dot com

traci16 said...

Cannot wait to read this...sounds hot!!! Awesome review also!! iluvmik16@gmail.com

Juana said...

Story sounds like a keeper. I somehow missed this author/series. I have added the series to my book wish list.

jmesparza821(at)gmail(dot)com

Anna (herding cats-burning soup) said...

I finished Dominic not too long ago and can't wait to read this one!

Andrea said...

I like how this is based in Europe and Rome and even uses the Vestal Virgins. It's so different from everything else out there right now.

Catherine Lee said...

What a great review, Nancy. It makes me want to check our Bastian.

Sophia Rose said...

This does sound like a really good read. I enjoyed the review, thanks!

Johanna R Jochum said...

I love this series and Elizabeth Amber rocks. Really looking forward to the next in the series.

evjochum[AT]aol[DOT]com

Lexi said...

Quite the rating, and you claim it's reread potential. Nice review, I like hearing that the hero and heroine are both given great stories.

Shelly said...

Wow awesome review. Sounds like a great book and series. Really love my heroes tall, dark and exceedingly virile. ;) Adding to my wish list.

megblod said...

This series has been on my tbr list for a very long time but now I think that I'm just going to have to move it further up on my list

Megblod(at)yahoo(dot)com

Elizabeth Amber said...

Thank you for the awesome review, Nancy!

Renee, Erin, and Di, I hope you enjoy the series if you get a chance. Johanna, you are a sweetheart. Thank you!

Bastian and Silvia are some of my favorite characters in the series. I felt like they were really meant to be together.

If you haven't tried the series and like to go in order, you can start with Nicholas or Bastian, since they are the first books in each clan.

Thank you all for taking a look at Nancy's review and for the nice comments.

~ Elizabeth A

The ParaNormal Romance Party said...

Great review!! I love the lords of Saytr series and hav been meaning to start Bastian! I can't wait!

Samantha Dacier

Carol L. said...

This series is one of the best I've read. As for scorching sex,oh yeah. #5 all the way. :)
Love how Silvia's character was written. Thanks for your "right on" review.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

Unknown said...

I love ancient Roman- and Greek-inspired books! I used to teach Latin, and so I love to see how modern authors modify the ancient characters for modern times! I hope I win this book--and there are lots more in your series!

Ann
Kyreadinggirl@yahoo.com

mcv said...

Wow, a 5 toe curling rating. I want the book!!
mcv111 at hotmail(dot)com