The Tyrant King by Cheri Chesley — Blog Tour Combined Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Nov 302012
 

The Tyrant King

Author: Cheri Chesley

Publisher: Cheri Chesley

Published: August 13, 2012

ISBN: 9781470085575

Genre: YA speculative

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy and Sheila

Goodreads Summary 

Krystal’s peaceful life as queen of Fayterra is shattered when a stranger arrives with a connection to Jareth that threatens to change everything. Soon her loved ones are threatened, her people are under attack, and Krystal must face a devastating loss. As the future becomes bleaker and the mystery continues to unravel, Krystal’s enemies will learn just how far she will go to defend the people she loves.

Backcover

Her heart paused, but Krystal remained defiant.

“You lie. You would never do such a thing to my child.”

“You think not?” He laughed again and she drew back. “I’ve sworn an oath to annihilate my dear cousin’s present and future, take over his kingdom and his crown, and fulfill my father’s dreams. And you think I would hesitate to murder his offspring? Come now, Krystal. I know you are smarter than that.”

Mindy’s Review

I have been a fan of Cheri’s for a long time. I was thrilled to be apart of the Blog Tour for The Tyrant King.  This book is full of romance, suspense, and action.  Not only is it page-turning, but you will immediately care about the characters as you read about their continuing story. Krystal and Jereth’s love story remains strong, and we get to see them as caring and loving parents. Donovan is a bad guy that you will love to hate. And, for fans of The Wild Queen, there is a surprise for you at the end.

My daughter Michalla is also a huge fan of Cheri’s, who is very generous with her fans. Michalla emailed Cheri telling her how much she enjoys her books, and Cheri was gracious enough to answer her back, and sent a signed book (for the both of us).  Michalla is always telling her friends about these great books.

4 out of 5 stars. Krystal is such a wonderful character, a strong woman who fits for what she wants. I”m excited for Book 3 next year.

Sheila’s Review

Main character Krystal, the Queen, wowed me with her inner strength when I read Cheri Chesley’s first book, The Peasant Queen. Though she was kidnapped and forced into a marriage she didn’t want, she remained strong for her real love Prince Jareth. In The Tyrant King, Krystal and Jareth’s love is still strong, made even finer by their young son Landry. Their life seems finally on track, but not for long. The late King Gregory’s unknown son, Donovan, shows up for Princess Alana’s wedding. Soon things are happening in the kingdom out of the King and Queen’s control. People are found dead and war is declared on King Jareth and the kingdom of Fayterra. This is when we see the Krystal from The Peasant Queen emerge. She truly is amazing! She supports her husband going off to war, and trains to fight. Again, Krstyal is not a helpless woman waiting for her knight in shining armor, she fights along side her knight to protect those she loves.

Cheri has given her readers another action packed novel full of intrigue. We know who the bad guy is, but we don’t always know when he will strike. Donovan runs a mean streak as vicious as his father. You know he is bad the second he enters the story. Why couldn’t the other characters see this? Well if they did, there wouldn’t have been a story. I also have to add I loved the sneak peek of book 3: The Lost Princess at the end of the book. Can’t wait to read that in 2013!

Author Links

Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links 

Smashwords / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

 

The Wild Queen by Cheri Chesley

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Mar 142012
 

The Wild Queen

Author: Cheri Chesley

Publisher: Chesley Books

Published: 2011

eBook

ASIN: B0050I5NFO

FTC FYI: Received a copy from the author which did not affect my review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads info: “Dear reader,

This is an epic a love story, but not a happy one. While it is romantic, like Romeo and Juliet it does not have a happily-ever-after conclusion. I caution you on this only because I’d hate for you to be disappointed because the story did not end as you had hoped…So begins the author’s note at the beginning of this book. For details on the plot, read on:

In the exciting prequel to The Peasant Queen, Roweena is the crown princess of Norvallen, a tiny kingdom with only one thing of value-the Healer’s Grove. The trees in this small section of forest are enchanted, giving a sap that can be mixed into potions or salves to heal almost any wound.

And it’s in high demand.

Lucien, the young king of neighboring Demarde, comes to Roweena’s father seeking an alliance, but comes away with a marriage contract for young Roweena’s hand. Furious and stubborn, this untamed beauty vows he will never conquer her. But the contract purposely gives her time to come to terms with her fate.

Before Lucien can return, Roweena’s home is attacked and her parents are murdered. The Healer’s Grove is also attacked-burned to the ground. With nothing more than her horse and the clothes on her back, Roweena goes to the only person she knows can help her. Lucien.”

The Wild Queen is the prequel to “The Peasant Queen“.  I read this book last year for the Cheri, and was pleasantly surprised when I received a copy of it in the mail from the author this week.  This is a wonderful offering from Cheri telling us faithful readers about Gregory’s parents, Roweena and Lucien.  I instantly loved Lucien.  His patience and compassion are what drew me in the most.  Roweena is a mysterious character.  I love how she is portrayed, though.  She comes to Lucien in her greatest need, and handles herself well considering what she has lost.  The ending is a killer, but since I have been lucky enough to have read The Tyrant King, and with conversations I’ve had with the author, all I have to say is, be patient dear readers. Be patient.  The Tyrant King comes out June 2012.

4 out 5 stars.  You can read my review of The Peasant Queen here.  Cheri has also written a short story called Ghost Bride.

Follow Cheri Chesley on Twitter / Facebook / Blog / Goodreads

AMAZON / B & N / SMASHWORDS

 

 

 

Sheila’s Review of The Peasant Queen by Cheri Chesley and Interview With the Author

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Feb 112011
 

After running away from home, Krystal is transported to a faraway kingdom where an evil tyrant is bent on taking the crown – and Krystal’s hand in marriage. But when she falls in love with the rightful heir to the throne, she must make an impossible choice: sacrifice her one chance at happiness or face the destruction of an entire kingdom.

The Peasant Queen is a book for lovers of romance, and strong women. The main character, Krystal, will not accept someone else deciding her own fate. She takes charge of her life and changes many other lives at the same time. I am getting tired of reading about women that are victims and need a man to rescue them. Yes, I really liked the main character if you couldn’t tell. Author Cheri Chesley also does a fine job developing all of the characters, even the bad guy, King Gregory. The King is very evil, but he also is so intriguing that you have to keep reading to see what he will do next. He is somewhat of a slimy character that makes your skin crawl. It is very easy to like the white knight in shining armor Prince Jareth. The romance is good, though somewhat fast on the part of Krystal . You will understand how Jareth fell in love with Krystal. I think Cheri writes the kissing scenes perfectly; the good and bad ones.

This novel will be well liked by romance lovers, those that love to see women with great inner strength and those who just enjoy a well written book.


I did a short interview with Cheri Chesley. I told her if she didn’t want to answer the questions, then I would just make up something about her. It was funny, but the answers came back rather quickly.

1.Where did the idea of The Peasant Queen come from?

The story came from Krystal. She actually started as a regular girl from our world who got transported magically to another sphere. This is originally–when I was in high school 20 yrs ago. She’s changed a lot since then.

2.Is this your favorite genre to read? Is there another genre that you would like to write?

This was my favorite genre when I was young. And let me tell you, there were precious few books back then in this genre! Since becoming an adult, I have expanded my reading preferences. A while back, I tried writing a kind of romantic suspense. That was fun. I may work on that a bit.


3.Are there any books or authors that influenced you in your writing?

Growing up, I read Tamora Pierce so much I could quote large sections of the books. I also read Guinevere by Sharan Newman. And a lot of Shakespeare and Edgar Allen Poe.


4.Will The Peasant Queen be a trilogy?

There are definitely three books–no more, no less.

5. Who is your favorite character to write in your book and why?

This may sound bad, but I love writing Gregory and it was really hard to stop. He’s a rich character. It’s kind of like when an actor is asked their favorite roles to play. They nearly always say the villain. There’s something to stepping outside yourself that’s appealing.

6.Do you have some words of wisdom to share with unpublished writers?

I don’t know how wise they are, but I’ll go with what works for me. Read a lot. Write a lot, even if you think it’s terrible. Talk to other authors–network. And never, never give up!

Thanks Cheri for answering my questions. I look forward to reading the next book in the trilogy.

You can purchase Peasant Queen Here.


BIO: I am a mom of 5 and a stepmom of 1 and of course all of them are amazing. My first novel, The Peasant Queen, is currently available for sale. And I’m working on The Tyrant King.

I was given a free copy of The Peasant Queen. In no way did this
influence the review given.

I also wanted to remind readers about the contest going on at my personal book review blog. I am giving away a copy of a healthy cookbook called, The Squeaky Gourmet. The contest ends this coming Monday night, Feb. 14th, at midnight MST. So if you haven’t entered yet, come on over to check it out at Why Not Because I Said So.

The Peasant Queen by Cheri Chesley

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Jan 202011
 

The Peasant Queen
Author: Cheri Chesley
Publisher: Bonneville Books
Published: 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59955-416-7
FYC FYI: I received a free copy, which did not effect my review

“There will be no more discussion!” Andrew slammed his fist on the desk for emphasis. “You’ve done nothing but argue about this for a week now. You will marry Curtis Belvey.”
Krystal stood motionless. “I will not.”
“Don’t try my patience, ” he said. “I’m head of this family. You will do what you’re told.”

(The Peasant Queen, page 1)

Krystal isn’t thrilled. Her marriage to Curtis Belvey is being arranged by her brother. Her father has passed away, so she doesn’t have much choice, but to follow his wishes. After meeting Curtis, who is a pig, she takes off. Things for Krystal don’t go as she plans.

As she is deciding if she should go back home and face her unhappy life, she is taken away from her kingdom of Bynne. Teleported to the far away kingdom Fayterra, she finds herself in the clutches of King Gregory, an evil and quite scary king who wants her to become his bride. King Gregory lies and kills to get what he wants. Even hides people, and tries to steal kingdoms. He is a great bad guy, very scary and unpredictable. You really aren’t sure as to what he’ll do next. Krystal even finds herself as a prisoner, who can she trust to help her?

What I liked most about the book is Krystal herself. She is a very strong girl who is smart and knows what she wants.

4 out of 5 stars. I would read this book again, and recommend it to those who would love a great adventure story.

Read more about the author here. Also read about sequels to The Peasant Queen.