Review: Awesome Dark Fantasy Novel
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 8, 2013
Of Silver and Beasts is a New Adult Dark Fantasy that is set in the world of Cavan, one of the three realms.  It is a society in which the women rule and are considered the protectors.  Kaliope has trained since she was young to be a protector and has been chosen to be head of the Nactue Guard, the highest honor, because the Nactue Guard are the direct protectors of the Empress herself.  Kaliope has a secret, one which she desperately wants to keep hidden.  When she was young, in an attempt to hide stolen mercury, the most treasured element, Kailope's father injected it into her blood stream.  Her mother prayed to Alyah to save Kalilope, and she wound up having a clamp or cybernetic device installed to filter the mercury away from her heart.  At certain times, however, it becomes visible, swirling under her skin.  She also has special abilities, such as increased strength, as a result of this.  Her mother told her that it was gift from the goddess herself, but Kaliope feels like it is a curse.Shortly after Kaliope enters the Nactue Guard, and even before their training is complete, she is charged by the Empress herself with protecting Prince Caban, the only living heir to their neighboring kingdom.  He is in their charge after an attack on his kingdom by the Otherworlders, a sect of beastly people that have not been heard of in over 100 years.  Prince Caban turns out to be quite a challenge for Kaliope, testing her resolve with his headstrong attitude and stubbornness.  He is also quite the hottie.  When the Otherworlders invade the kingdom of Cavan, Kaliope and Prince Caban join in the fight, and wind up being captured and taken to the realm where the Otherworlders dwell.  Forced to cage fight or die, Kaliope and Caban are faced with life threatening battles and challenges, the most difficult of all may be the one Kaliope faces within herself as the feelings she has for Caban go beyond that of a protector.I really enjoyed Of Silver and Beasts.  Trisha Wolfe has painted a fantasy world with her words that is imaginative, amazing, and creative, centered around a queendom, with mythological elements, as well as science fiction and dark fantasy.  I enjoyed getting to know Kaliope's character, and I really came to love Prince Caban.  I especially liked the romance that developed between these two.  Prince Caban is full of surprises, and is quite swoon-worthy.  There are some really intense battle scenes, as well as a really steamy moment or two.  Trisha Wolfe has done an excellent job intricately weaving the details of this highly imaginative world into the story, and boy does she blow you away with the ending.  OMG, I want the next book now.  Yes, it is a cliffhanger, and I am so wanting things to work out.  You'll have to read the book to know what those "things" are, but the ending is quite epic.  If you are a fan of science fiction, fantasy, and romance, then this new adult dark fantasy is something you would enjoy.