Veena’s review of Stars Of Fortune (The Guardians, Book 1) by Nora Roberts
Fantasy Romance published by Berkley 03 Nov 15
Lately I’ve been a bit jaded and somewhat disappointed with some of my fail-safe authors whom I’ve read for a long time. So when this new series was announced, I was somewhat skeptical because it sounded a lot like “been there” “read that,” but when the book landed in my lap like a gift from the gods, I couldn’t resist reading it. I am glad to report that while there are similar stories from the author, these characters are fresh and new and they’ll quickly sweep you into their secrets and developing friendships with each other. I am so glad that I did not sit this one out waiting for the reviews to drive my direction.
I love the prologue, which sounds a bit like sleeping beauty, as the goddesses get prepared to gift the stars of fortune on the new queen, only to be stopped by the evil witch who covets them for herself. So begins a quest that spans generations with members of key families being tasked to wait and watch and hone their gifts for the opportunity to participate when the time is right.
Sasha Riggs is a seer who dreams prophetic dreams that she then puts on canvas. She follows her calling to the island of Corfu, where she meets the man of her dreams, fated to be her partner in her quest, along with the key lynchpin who will help her quickly find and locate the other members of their team. As the author skillfully lays out the story board the team assembles in a villa at the edge of the ocean on Corfu, and we follow the path laid out in Sasha’s dreams to locate the first star.
They quickly run afoul of the evil goddess who’s been biding her time while searching on her own for the stars. As each member reveals their own secret, the team begins to forge the bonds of friendship and love that will be needed for them to be successful in fulfilling their quest.
Ms. Roberts does a superb job of introducing her characters and laying out the bones of the story, while driving this first book forward without letting the reader feel that this is a set-up book. As each character comes into the limelight and their story and connection to the stars is revealed, the reader will be enthralled by the power of the writer’s imagination. I absolutely cannot wait for the rest of the stories to unfold as each couple will be forced to reach into the very bottom of themselves to find the strength and courage to stand against the evil that threatens their quest.
Grade: A
Summary:
To celebrate the rise of their new queen, three goddesses of the moon created three stars, one of fire, one of ice, one of water. But then they fell from the sky, putting the fate of all worlds in danger. And now three women and three men join forces to pick up the pieces…
Sasha Riggs is a reclusive artist, haunted by dreams and nightmares that she turns into extraordinary paintings. Her visions lead her to the Greek island of Corfu, where five others have been lured to seek the fire star. Sasha recognizes them, because she has drawn them: a magician, an archaeologist, a wanderer, a fighter, a loner. All on a quest. All with secrets.
Sasha is the one who holds them together—the seer. And in the magician, Bran Killian, she sees a man of immense power and compassion. As Sasha struggles with her rare ability, Bran is there to support her, challenge her, and believe in her.
But Sasha and Bran are just two of the six. And they all must all work together as a team to find the fire star in a cradle of land beneath the sea. Over their every attempt at trust, unity, and love, a dark threat looms. And it seeks to corrupt everything that stands in its way of possessing the stars…
No excerpt available.
