Reviewed by Nikyta
Title: Union
Author: Annabelle Jacobs
Series: Torsere #2
Heroes: Nykin & Ryneq
Genre: M/M High Fantasy
Length: 230 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: April 11, 2014
Available at: Dreamspinner Press
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: After the defeat of the Lowland Army at Torsere and with King Seran on the run, King Ryneq and his sister, Cerylea, continue their journey to the Elven City of Alel to proceed with the union of the two realms. Fully recovered from his injuries and newly announced as King Ryneq’s Consort, Nykin returns to his duty as a Dragon Rider in the King’s army. He and Ryneq have little opportunity to celebrate their union, but make the most of their time together before leaving for Alel. Since the ambush at Neest River destroyed the main bridge, traveling by ship is the only option. An unusual storm threatens their crossing, making Ryneq wonder if some new magic is rising against them.
As the wedding between Cerylea and the Elven prince Morkryn approaches, the dragons sense a malevolent presence. To protect the young couple’s fragile bond, Nykin and his dragon, Fimor, take to the skies, setting up a patrol along the border of the magical city. But as the evil grows more potent, the enchanted boundary grows weaker. Ryneq and Nykin must combine their strength to protect their people from Seran’s extreme plot for revenge.
Review:
When I read Capture a few weeks ago, I was instantly drawn into this world. As a fantasy lover, I can’t help but get sucked into the littlest of fantasy stories so when I saw the sequel was coming up, I was eager to continue Nykin and Ryneq’s story.
Union picks up a few weeks after Capture ends with Nykin almost fully recovered from his near fatal injury and newly appointed as King Ryneq’s Consort. With their inability to get to Cerylea’s betrothed through land, they must now go by sea. In an ocean that is normally calm, King Ryneq and company find an unexpected storm and dangerous waters that almost threatens their ability to make it to Elven land. Thankfully, they manage to arrive at Alel but the threat of King Seran is still there and closer than ever. With the aid of an evil witch, King Seran makes his move but while the attack is short, Seran still gets away. Now the question remains, will Seran return for more or has he set his sights on somewhere else?
While this story takes place only a short while after the previous book, I found the characters evolved into their new situations quite nicely. Where Nykin was brash, stubborn and full speed ahead before, now he’s calmer and more fitting for his role as Consort, although he is still somewhat stubborn! Ryneq is still the very serious King but he’s also happier and not so dreary in such a heavy situation. Nykin has made Ryneq realize that he can even out the bad of war with the good of Nykin (if that makes any sense!). It’s extremely sweet and I just loved, loved, loved how close they’ve gotten in such a short time. And Ryneq’s possessiveness and jealousy towards Nykin? Totally hot!
I LOVED this story but I won’t deny that I had one big issue. There was just too much sex for my liking. I adored the fact that Ryneq has come to accept his feelings for Nykin and I love that he has such raw desire for him, not to mention the fact that he’ll take every advantage to steal a few kisses from Nykin (audience or no) but there was just too much smut, IMO. Granted, that’s a personal preference so I highly doubt many others will have that problem! There were a few other niggles, such as a few questions I had like how Seran got to Alel went I thought the only bridge to Elven land was destroyed, but that was it.
All in all, a fabulous book and a great sequel. I loved that this book was more sedate yet no less suspenseful. It was great to see Ryneq and Nykin embracing their relationship and getting to see more of the elves and their magic. I can’t wait to see where this series goes because it’ll definitely be interesting to find out what happens next!
Overall Impression: I loved it!
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
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