Helpful Score: 3
While the synopsis made the book intriguing, Jean Johnson's writing and the heroine, Kelly Doyle, left much to be desired. The beginning of the novel tells the story of 8 brothers; 4 sets of fraternal twins born 2 years apart who all look different and have different powers, were exiled to a remote island in their kingdom so that a curse, involving mates for each of the brothers, prophesied a thousand years before their birth would not befall the land. Kelly, who was brought to this alternate dimension from the 21st century because she was being burned alive for being a witch, shows little respect for the brothers. Jean Johnson has effectively written a Mary-Sue, who in her real life was not liked by her neighbors, into a perfect female in the alternate dimension who embroiders, sews, knowns Kung-Fu, can handle an automatic pistol, and with a business degree can spout of mechanical engineering. While in the real world men did not flock to Kelly, in the alternate dimension, all of the brothers end up smitten with her within a month. Coupled with her screaming fits and her "what I say goes" attitude, you will have one of 2 reactions at the end of the novel; you'll absolutely love it, or you'll throw it against the wall at the frustration you feel with the main character.
Helpful Score: 3
I thought the premise of this book/series sounded great, but the actual story just didn't deliver. It wasn't horrible, but I thought the characterization was superficial and the plot weak. There are much better authors in this genre.
Helpful Score: 2
The series is promising. I liked the hero (Saber) in this story - and I even liked his brothers and the story line. I disliked the heroine (Kelly). I am all for strong females who know what they want, who don't take attitude from others, who can handle the situations that they are placed in - however, Kelly was arrogant, overbearing and just plain rude.
The premise is that 8 brothers (4 sets of twins) are exiled to Nightfall Island because they are to fulfill a prophecy that makes their country nervous and fearful. But as any prophecy goes, it is a little vague, but when fear is involved, people seem to think they know what will happen. The prophecy states that when the eldest weds, a disaster will happen, and when all the brothers are wed, something else will happen, but you don't know exactly because it is cut off...
Overall, I will read the other books in the series, to see what happens - hopefully, there will be no more Kelly-like creatures in the rest of them.
The premise is that 8 brothers (4 sets of twins) are exiled to Nightfall Island because they are to fulfill a prophecy that makes their country nervous and fearful. But as any prophecy goes, it is a little vague, but when fear is involved, people seem to think they know what will happen. The prophecy states that when the eldest weds, a disaster will happen, and when all the brothers are wed, something else will happen, but you don't know exactly because it is cut off...
Overall, I will read the other books in the series, to see what happens - hopefully, there will be no more Kelly-like creatures in the rest of them.
Helpful Score: 2
A wonderful start to a promising new series. With eight (eight!) strapping, handsome brothers fated to fall in love, how can you go wrong? I love starting a new series with the promise of much much more to come.
Helpful Score: 2
I am only HALF WAY thru this book and I can't put it down! I cannot wait to read the rest of this series!! I love it and its very promising. Its very satisfying to read the authors 1st in a series and be totally hooked into the brothers and the story line!
Helpful Score: 2
I was not impressed with this book, which really disappoints me because I was looking forward to a new good series! The plot and premise for the story was pretty good, but I felt that the writing had no depth. I found myself not really caring about the characters and some stuff was just too unbelievable. It's hard to believe that this tiny, half-starved woman could do some fancy self defense moves on the second largest of the brothers (who can do magic, too) and wind up pinning him on the ground (and keeping him there while she made her point). I mean, really! The hero and heroine spend most of their time yelling at each other. The best thing I can say about the book is its cover is yummy!
Helpful Score: 1
I like the idea of this book 8 brothers and book for each, right up my alley (I love a good series). But,I was a bit disappointed in this first book. The beginning of this book was good the ending of this book was good it's just that the middle got a tad looooong. It seemed to be going nowhere or to much information that didn't fit the story (filler). What a really liked about this book was meeting all the other brothers that will be having stories told about them. I can pick and choose the one's I want to read about. I read #2 The Wolf that was better.
I was looking forward to reading this story ~ it sounded like a great idea, but it just didn't do anything for me. I'm glad I got it here instead of wasting my money at Amazon.
Totally lame! This story was so awfull that I struggled to read to page 125 and then had to toss it into my "get rid of as soon as possible" pile. The main characters go from avoiding each other, not speaking, to minor "wooing" to let's get married. I have never read such crap in my life.
A new author for me. I love this series. Has everything! 4 1/2 *
Great book! Almost kept it for my keeper shelf!
The first book in a series of 8, and it shows. The first portion of the book moves too slowly for most readers; the action is all in the last half of the book. Other books in this series move more quickly than this book.
Saber and Kelly's love story was really great and all I can hope is that the rest of the series will equal the feeare head strong and true leaders. lings of enjoyment this first book brought out in me. Both characters are very strong leaders.
Andrew/Darcey J. (Andrew-Darcey) reviewed The Sword (Sons of Destiny, Bk 1) on + 23 more book reviews
I loved this book! Couldn't put it down! I can't wait to start book #2.
Seems we need an alternate opinion here. I liked it...but then I grew up on SciFi and Fantasy...yeah there is a little romance and a bit of magic...but it's not like paranormals and maybe that's what some folks don't like. The true focus is the story...and the focus of the story is a very strong woman...it's a feminist soapbox. But the men don't come across as weak, rather as smart, in dealing with the self-appointed Queenbee. They all have different personalities, too. This is going to be a series worth reading!
And amazingly...I only saw one typo (what is with editorial staff these days?!)
And amazingly...I only saw one typo (what is with editorial staff these days?!)
Book #1 - great series!
First book of a series. I thought it pretty good although I picked it up for the Fantasy aspect not realizing the amount of romance it contained. The story line is actually a decent fanasy . . . if the romance scenes were left out nothing would be lost. So there is magic and destiny and good vs evil. I will read the next book in the series before deciding if its worth to continue the series.
Crystal W. (Greeneyedgoddess) - , reviewed The Sword (Sons of Destiny, Bk 1) on + 41 more book reviews
I enjoyed this book! I will be reading all eight books in the series. I am almost done with the second book and I really like it. It is something different to read in the paranormal romance genre. I needed a little break from my vampires and werewolves.
like this book
very good, after I read this one I had to find the rest.
Not quite ready for prime time.
like this book
"The Sword" kicks off an 8-brother series; they are all twins, born two years apart, and they are all sorcerers (called mages in the book) exiled to the Isle of Nightfall. The seers of their nation think that exiling the brothers will save the nation from some calamity. Also, no one, especially women, is to visit the Isle! This particular book introduces the brothers and the eldest brother's wife-to-be. I enjoyed this book and have already ordered the next 5 books!
Very good start to a new series. Adventure, humor and manly men. Just what every women is looking for. Yum. Oh yea. A well told story.
It was very good.
