by Linsey Hall
Series: The Mythean Arcana #1
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
As chaos looms, a warrior queen is reborn- Bookish academic Diana Laughton has been having terrible dreams. Dreams of battle, dreams of blood... dreams so vivid she's living them day and night. When demons invade her quiet life, she wonders if she's going mad. Or if perhaps she's remembering a past life she had no idea existed...In the midst of betrayal, he must protect her - Mythean Guardian Cadan Trinovante loved and betrayed Britain's warrior queen Boudica two millennia ago. Now he's tasked with protecting mortals whose lives affect the fate of humanity. His latest assignment is Boudica herself, reincarnated as a woman with no idea of her past or her fated future. Though in the irresistible form of Diana Laughton, it's possible Cadan has once again met his match...To succumb to seduction could prove fatal- Thrown together in a shadowy world that exists alongside our own, Diana and Cadan must fight not only the demonic forces that want Diana dead, but a past and a passion that have lasted centuries. Their desire could be deadly. But as evil from the underworld unites against them, their only hope could be each other.
What ingredients are needed for a successful paranormal romance? Mix a secret society with Celtic mythology; add in a heated second chance romance and strong, sexy characters. BAM…you have the recipe for Braving Fate the first novel in the Mythean Arcana series by Lindsey Hall.
I read a delicious review over at One Curvy Blogger and the author saw my interest. She was kind enough to send me a copy. I am so glad that she did. I have been on a bit of an UF/paranormal romance kick of late and Braving Fate really hit the spot. Fantastic characters, interesting world-building and a fast pace had me quickly lost within the pages.
The world: I love secret societies, especially those designed to protect us mere humans. In Edinburgh, Scotland there is a secret race known as the Mytheans. Here they have a university hidden from humans. Hello Hogwarts or Xavier’s School? Hall does a lovely job of explaining the society its hierarchy and mission. I want to get lost in their library.
The characters: When he was human, Mythean Guardian, Cadan Trinovante, loved and betrayed Boudica, Britain’s warrior queen. History Professor Diana Laughton begins having strange dreams and when a monster tries to kill her she feels an overwhelming need to travel to Scotland. Cadan learns he has a new assignment to protect a reincarnated woman who must complete the task that has awaken her. He finds that Diana is Boudica. Yum…second chance romance, wicked banter, anger, lust…oh yeah.
The romance: I adore second chance romances and immediately wanted Cadan to get his happily ever after. Hall created chemistry and allowed me to feel his internal struggle over Diana and awakening Boudica’s memories. Diana is strong and handles the information thrown at her surprising well. Hall built up the tension between them, allowed Cadan growth and brought some deliciously wicked heat. Get the fans out ladies. Cadan will make you swoon. I became totally vested in the couple and embraced all the feels.
The plot: Hall chose to tell the story of Queen Boudica and I adored her version of this mighty female warrior. Hall has an interesting take on resurrection and I found it quite clever. Diana must regain Boudica’s memories and figure out what task has been fated to her. It looks like each book will focus on one couple and an assignment giving us a complete romance and storyline. We see a romance developing between secondary characters and I cannot wait for more.
Fans of paranormal romance, mythology and strong sexy characters will enjoy Braving Fate. Novels two and three are available and are Soulceress and Rogue Soul.
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Sarah
Glad you liked this one! I still have to read two and three . . . maybe I will catch up in March 😀
kimbacaffeinate
I grabbed book two and hope to crack it open in March myself
Liza Barrett
Oh now this has peaked my interest … I had Boudica as a character in one of my high school writing projects — you know, the ones that you start when you’re too young to really know what you’re doing? She was taken out when I rewrote it a half a dozen times …
kimbacaffeinate
I thought it was neat Liza.
Teddyree
Celtic mythology *sigh* … sold. Ok Scottish and swoon-worthy might have tipped the scales 😉
I want!!
kimbacaffeinate
:snort: my thinking as well Teddyree 🙂
Aubrey Wynne
Oh, oh, oh. You hit my weak spot here. I LOVE Celtic anything. Especially hot men in kilts. I’m going to Ireland this summer and I loved Scotland. This one looks yummy.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I am green with envy Aubrey..Scotland is on my bucket list 🙂
Bookworm Brandee
This sounds amazing! I love all the elements combined…I’m a sucker for second-chance romance, I love mythology, and I haven’t been but just know I’d love Scotland. 😉 Thanks for putting Braving Fate on my radar. I just might have to use a little of my book budget for it. *ha*
kimbacaffeinate
Yeah..Scotland gets me every time.
Stacy (StacyHgg)
I’m kind of on a PNR kick right now and this one sounds good! And who doesn’t love a second chance Romance?? 😉
Great Review!
kimbacaffeinate
I adore second chance romances in any genre 🙂
Sharon - Obsession with Books
I really need to get back into reading more UF/Paranormal – this sounds great, I love second chance romances too.
A great review Kimba!
kimbacaffeinate
This was fun Sharon 🙂
Stephanie
I haven’t heard of this one, but I do like books that relate to mythology. Glad to hear you liked it and it does sound exciting! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
It was new to me too, always fun to discover a new author
Michelle
Larissa Ione spoiled me on PNR but this one sounds interesting! I think I might have checked this book out just for the cover alone. Great Review!
kimbacaffeinate
I have read and enjoyed a few of hers, this is lighter and a much quicker read but satisfying nonetheless.
Angela Adams
That’s an enticing book cover…
kimbacaffeinate
I agree Angela 🙂 I hope you are staying warm..it is freezing here
Melissa (Books and Things)
This really speaks to me. With all the strong females I’m surprised that there aren’t more stories about Boudica. I have to say this is my fave kind of PNR… one that is mixed with UF. 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly, and I enjoyed that is was light and fast-paced. I can consume these types of books 🙂
blodeuedd
If I ever get back to pnr…
kimbacaffeinate
I am a mood reader too and go through phases.
Rashika
Cheers to second chance romances! They are my favorite kind and…. I am sure you already know that that’s what has my attention in terms of this book!
I also happen to adore secret societies so I guess I shall have to add this one to my tbr too
*shakes fist*
Darn you Kimba for making me add all these books to my TBR!
Lovely review!! 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, I blame Sarah @ Curvy Blogger she started it 🙂
Heidi
Oh yes, I love the sound of this one. Second chance romance, Celctic Mythology and a school? I need to go look this one up.
kimbacaffeinate
Right..such great elements. I am eager to learn more about this society and all of the supernatural creatures
Braine
Hmm now you got me curious too! I love Celtic myth & Boudica is a must-meet!
kimbacaffeinate
Exactly my thinking 🙂
Anna
Sounds like a great escape 🙂
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
kimbacaffeinate
It was Anna, thanks 🙂
Ramona
Oh, I love second chance romances too – I think the world would be a much better place if everyone would get at least one of those, don’t you agree? 😉 As for having Boudicca’s reincarnation as a character, I’m pretty speechless… What an amazing imagination! A compelling review, as always, Kimba.
kimbacaffeinate
Right, we don’t often see her popping up in fiction and I loved the whole reincarnation for a purpose thing
Debbie Haupt
Oh Kim I love this kind of romance, paranormal, reincarnation LOVE IT!
thanks for the wonderful review this is a definite 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Yep, it was a fun quick read Debbie
Sophia Rose
I never wander very far from PNR/UF. I love the description on this with reincarnation of Boudicca and a second chance romance. Thanks for sharing about this new series.
kimbacaffeinate
Oh I love to dabble in both genres, I just don’t eat a steady diet of it
kindlemom1
I am always a sucker for any kind of book with mythology in it. I think I would really like this one.
kimbacaffeinate
Me too Ali 🙂
Felicia the Geeky Blogger
This sounds unique and interesting! I also read One Curvy Bloggers review and coupled with yours this is going high on my maybe list. It sounds like something that would be an excellent fit for me.
kimbacaffeinate
I am really glad I read it Flea, in fact I bought book two just the other day 🙂
Jenny
This is set in Scotland? YES PLEASE! Bring on sexy Scottish warriors, celtic mythology, and a second change romance! I so love those as you do Kim:)
kimbacaffeinate
My sentiments exactly Jenny 🙂
Katherine
History, mythology, romance and a secret school? Cannot resist! I’m glad to know that 2 and 3 are out just in case I get hooked!
kimbacaffeinate
Right..I love all those elements. This was a fast paced and easy read
Lori
Oh this sounds interesting! I mean I seriously don’t need a new series in my life but I can’t help myself, it’s going to the TBR pile! Thanks for sharing Kimberly 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
spoken like a true book addict Lori *winks*
Red Iza
Celtic mythology ? Secret society ? Strong and sexy characters ? Paranormal romance ? I’m in, you hit all my right spots 😉
kimbacaffeinate
Right..those tickled my fancy as well 🙂
Benish
Ohhh .. It has mythology which I like 🙂 I’m behind on paranormal romance, I’m caught up in fantasy these days – happy you liked this one though!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Benish, I have been digging UF and PNF lately
Melliane
I was also curious about this one but I haven’t read it yet. A french of mine did but she expected a little more. I really need to get into it!!!
kimbacaffeinate
I enjoyed the Celtic aspect and thought it was a good start to the series Melliane
Jennifer Bielman
I need to get back into paranormal. It’s been low on my list lately. And who doesn’t love secret societies? 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
I have been hankering for more UF/PNR..I go through phases. Next month it will be contemps or something 🙂
Lupdilup
Sounds good Kimba. It got a lot of the ingredients I like in PR. Sounds like she does a good job with the world and the characters. I’m a little reluctant to start new PR series since I already follow so many, but I might take a shot with this one. It’s going on my list, thanks!
kimbacaffeinate
I don’t have a lot of PR at the moment, so this worked out for me. I had fun with it