Sandy M’s review of Marked (Eternal Guardians, Book 1) by Elisabeth Naughton
Paranormal Romance published by Lovespell 27 Apr 10
Elisabeth Naughton became a favorite of mine with her Stolen series. Intriguing storylines with mysteries based in mythology, heroes to die for, heroines who are strong and independent, villains you love to hate, and a romance of a lifetime. So if you enjoyed that series, you’ll like this one even better. Mythology is front and center again, alpha heroes sworn to guard their people, heroines thrust into worlds they never dreamed of, and romance that survives ages.
These are soulmate stories. I know there are some readers who don’t care for that type of book, but they’re one of my favorites. I mean, that’s part of why I read romance. I want a love that’s deep and what’s deeper than the soul. I also like stories that give me heroes who have that innate sense within themselves who recognize their soulmates at a glance, with a touch, and it knocks them for a loop. Theron is one of those heroes.
He’s descended from Hercules and current leader of the Argonauts, those warriors sworn to protect their home, Argolea. He’s been sent by his dying king to find the one person who can save the royal heir, Princess Isadora, to whom Theron is betrothed. Finding Casey in a strip joint confuses Theron at first, but he’ll do his duty and marry Isadora, though he doesn’t love her. It’s what’s been asked of him by his king, so he will comply.
Working two jobs to stay afloat, Casey has always felt disconnected in life, not knowing what it is that’s missing or what she needs. But her life changes fast and irrevocably when Theron shows up. Saving him from creatures the like she’s never seen, she’s amazed at how fast he heals and even more amazed when she learns about him and where he’s from. And why he’s come for her.
When the action hits in this book, it takes off and doesn’t let up until the last daemon is dead by Argonauts’ hands. These creatures come out of the woodwork, sent by Atalanta, a goddess who’s now mortal and determined to regain all she’s lost at any expense.
Now that Theron has found his soulmate in Casey, it’s his duty that will keep them apart. To save his people he has to sacrifice his new-found happiness in giving Casey’s life for Isadora’s. Greek tragedy at its best in the modern world of romance. I enjoy the relationship between the warriors, typical macho male, even if they are hundreds of years old. Some things never change.
Ms. Naughton’s writing is concise and easy to read. You’ll have this book read before you know it. Her characters are quite likable, even those Argonauts who are a little testy waiting for their turn at finding love. I look forward to the next book, Entwined, which is Zander’s story.
Grade: A+
Summary:
As unrest in the Underworld threatens, seven immortal warriors descended from the greatest heroes in all of Ancient Greece may just be mankind’s last hope.
THERON – Dark haired, duty bound and deceptively deadly. He’s the leader of the Argonauts, an elite group of guardians that defends the immortal realm from threats of the Underworld.
From the moment he walked into the club, Casey knew this guy was different. Men like that just didn’t exist in real life—silky shoulder-length hair, chest impossibly broad, and a predatory manner that just screamed dark and dangerous. He was looking for something. Her.
She was the one. She had the mark. Casey had to die so his kind could live, and it was Theron’s duty to bring her in. But even as a 200-year-old descendant of Hercules, he wasn’t strong enough to resist the pull in her fathomless eyes, to tear himself away from the heat of her body.
As war with the Underworld nears, someone will have to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
Thanks for this review as it is perfect timing for me. I recently read, and thoroughly enjoyed, Stolen Fury and planned on getting the other 2 books in the trilogy before moving on to Marked and Entwined. I may just need to start this series first as I love stories based around Roman and Greek mythology.
I don’t mind ‘soulmate’ stories, like you I like romances where the love displayed is a deep love. I do, however, get tired of the number of authors that use the term ‘mine’ upon the hero’s discovery/recognition of his soulmate or even his reaction to his soulmate. It just seems to be a tired and overused expression these days. Too many authors now seem to be using it .. dare I hope that ‘mine’ is not a prevalent term in Marked! (not that it’s use will stop me from reading Marked)
I know what you mean, ShellBell, about some overused phrases. Some bother me and some don’t. “Mine” is one that doesn’t bother me, so, to be honest, I don’t remember if it’s used in Marked or Entwined. It could have been used once or twice, but it’s definitely not overused, that I remember. My personal button is “for better access.” Usually it’s the head moved for better access to the neck, but anymore it seems all body parts are getting into the game! Glad you like Stolen Fury. The other two books are just as good, and I know you’ll also like the Eternal Guardians!
Thoroughly enjoyed Marked and Entwined. Such a shame that there will be a long wait for Tempted due to Elisabeth Naughton’s change of publishers, but I’m sure that it will be well worth the wait.