Splinter

Trapped Souls #1

by Ricki Delaine

An uncertain future -

Theron’s time protecting the future Empress is ending. Lady Lynea is to marry the Emperor in two weeks, or so he’s been told. He has carried out his duty, watching over the lady, guarding her ... but everything changes when he learns that what he’s been told is a lie.

Ria, the village outcast, never thought her forbidden visits to the palace grounds would really get her into trouble. But she finds herself neck deep in it the day she meets Theron, honored Protector of the lady. She’s not exactly sure how it happened, but before she knows it she’s tumbling into Theron’s frightening world, allied with him against an enemy they can’t hope to defeat.

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2016

About the author

An avid reader and lifetime day-dreamer, I started writing in high school -- creating characters and universes, scribbling it all on bits of this and that, in spiral bound books and on college-lined folder paper, until word processors made that old-fashioned.

I practiced pacing and character development in the fantastic world of fanfiction and lived off the thrill and instant gratification of feedback in various fandoms. For years.

Now those peeps and planets I created are finally seeing the light of day! Splinter, my first novel, debuted in May of this year (yay)!

My favorite authors? Too many to name, but I'm a big fan of fantasy, all types. I like the occasional romance and if you can mix the two, well, that's fantastic. I like a fast-paced story line that makes me laugh, but will also savor a sweet slow-build that paints a pretty picture. :) So, yeah. Not particular. Happy to be a part of Goodreads!

Reviews

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the very beginning I would like to thank the author for a free copy to review.
The main character of the book is Theron which is supposed to protect lady Lynea till her wedding with Emperor. He hears rumors in Palace about her beeing in danger and is ready to do anything to save her, even if it is breaking the law, lose his honour in other's eyes, or even if it's sacruficing his own life. That is how the adventure begins, in which take part Protector of the future Empress, palace Guard and a village girl, who often sneaks to the palace grounds. Tohether they'll try to save lady Lynea's life.
Plot is taking place in a world created by the author, remainding Japan at the time of the Samurai. There is a lot of connections between book and Japan mythology like kitsune and oni. Whole makes incredible, magical background for the events happening in the book..
I liked most of the characters, appearing in the book pages with the exception of Lady Lynea. Up to me she is just too helpless. She is the character others try to save, but herself she does nothing to her own protection.
I definitely liked the whole book. Well created and developed characters, having their own minds, dilemmas and most of all couldn't sit still for a longer time, are making the reader have no time to get bored.

Najpierw chciałabym podziękować autorce za darmową kopię ebooka do recenzji.
A więc od początku: Głównym bohaterem książki jest Theron, który ma za zadanie chronić lady Lyneę do czasu jej ślubu z Imperatorem. Z pogłosek krążących w pałacu dowiaduje się on o grożącym jej niebezpieczeństwie i w jej obronie jest gotowy zrobić wszystko, nawet jeśli wiąże się to ze złamaniem obowiązującego prawa, utratą honoru w oczach innych, czy nawet własnego życia. Tak rozpoczyna się przygoda, w której biorą udział Obrońca przyszłej żony Imperatora, pałacowy Strażnik i dziewczyna z wioski, która często zakrada się do pałacowych ogrodów. Razem spróbują ocalić życie lady Lynei.
Akcja książki dzieje się w wykreowanym przez autorkę świecie, przywodzącym na myśl Japonię, za czasów Samurajów. Jest w niej sporo nawiązań do japońskiej mitologii, jak występujące w książce kitsune czy oni. Całość tworzy niesamowite, magiczne tło dla rozgrywających się w książce wydarzeń.
Polubiłam większość bohaterów, pojawiających się na kartach powieści, wyjątkiem jest Lynea. Jest ona w moim odczuciu po prostu zbyt bezradna, jest postacią, którą bohaterowie próbują ratować, ale sama w swojej obronie nie robi niczego.
Całość powieści zdecydowanie mi się podobała. Dobrze stworzeni bohaterowie, mający własne zdanie, rozterki i przede wszystkim niemogący usiedzieć w miejscu przez dłuższy czas, sprawiają, że czytelnik nie ma kiedy się nudzić.

[Cassidy Reyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an Asian-inspired fantasy which immediately caught my attention and imagination, and I found it hard to put it down once I’d started.
The main character, Theron, is Protector of the Imperial Lady who is about to marry the Emperor. When Theron is made aware of a threat to the Lady’s life, he becomes determined to do whatever it takes to protect her. He is the Lady’s Honorable Protector, after all, and no matter where the threat is coming from, he will perform that duty.
Iriana is a simple village girl with complex emotions and a great sense of helping where it is most needed. As she becomes entangled in Theron’s quest, her own life — and his — are put in grave danger from the terrors that stalk them which are sent by an unlikely source. They are also joined by Mako, an Imperial guard who is reluctantly dragged along once he realizes his choices for survival are limited.
The storytelling is like a fine, intricate tapestry, woven with great care and attention to detail. The world building is deep, interesting and complex while the characters pull you in and holds you in their grip so you don’t miss a single breath, widened eye or stuttering heartbeat. Because there is plenty of them — and so much more.
The chemistry between the characters, both the intrepid trio, and other just as important ones, is fascinating and intriguing. Their personalities are exposed, layer by layer, and we never quite know what will be revealed next.
I haven’t ready many Asian-influenced stories. I’m not sure why and can only guess that there aren’t as many out there as there are Western world novels, and I haven’t found one that appealed enough for me to pick it up. This one, however, has made a big impression, and I can’t wait for the next in the series to be released. Of course, the author leaves the reader on a heart stopping cliffhanger.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a beautifully written story with both heart and soul. A story that will enthrall and excite from the first page to the very last word.