A Ranger's Tale (Tallenmere) [Kindle Edition]

Mysti Parker (Author)

Book Description

In the fantasy world of Tallenmere, an elven noblewoman longed to leave her gilded cage. A half-breed former pirate wanted nothing more than to escape his guilty past. Easier said than done...

High elf Caliphany Aranea leads an enviable life as King Leopold's niece and daughter of Sirius, Leogard's most famous wizard. Yet, being forced to follow in her father's footsteps and being betrothed to a man she doesn't even like makes her want a taste of life outside the city walls. 

As a young boy, half-elf Galadin Trudeaux witnessed his parents' death at the hands of pirates. After being raised by those same murderers and forced to do their bidding, he escaped and now lives an honest life as a sea merchant and ranger. 

When two brutes at Leogard Harbor attempt to kidnap Caliphany while she dreams of faraway lands, Galadin comes to her rescue. Impressed by his skills, she asks him to train her as a ranger. Though he is hesitant at first to train a woman of her class, Caliphany's hefty sack of gold finally persuades him. Unfortunately, her father is not amused, and the two must escape before Caliphany faces a forced marriage and Galadin faces a noose. 

From that moment on she and Galadin embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Only if they can survive the trials ahead, will they find a love that stands the test of time.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"If you like a story that's nonconventional, one that doesn't follow all the rules, then you're bound to love A Ranger's Tale by Mysti Parker." ~Pillow Talk Reviews

"If you're a fan of fantasy, A Ranger's Tale is a definite must read." ~Candace Bowen Early, author of Wicked Embers and Spur of the Moment

From the Author

Thank you for choosing A Ranger's Tale, Book One of my stand-alone fantasy romance series. Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy! ~Mysti Parker

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• File Size: 459 KB
• Print Length: 188 pages
• Publisher: Melange Books, LLC (January 29, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004XJ5EI2
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #285,317 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book Alert Review May 9, 2011

By Cindy Borgne

Format:Kindle Edition

Readers will enjoy "A Ranger's Tale" A fantasy combined with a lot of romance.

The story beings at the point where Caliphany realizes she doesn't want to be a mage, and she has had enough of her father trying to control her. I enjoyed her take charge attitude. Anytime someone tried to make her do something she didn't like, she instead took things into her own hands. Not always with a good outcome, but that's all the better.

We meet Galadin at the point he rescues Caliphany from almost being kidnapped. There is an instant attraction between the two. Galadin has a background opposite of Caliphany, and he is attracted to her right from the start, although he is often hesitant to admit this to himself. Even though they have different backgrounds, they both share the same interests. So I thought the contrasts in the story skillfully done. These common interests contribute to the growing love between the two.

After about the fourth chapter, "A Ranger's Tale" became a page turner for me. I found myself wanting Caliphany and Galadin to be together shortly after they meet, and I'm sure this is exactly where the author wanted me to be. But no, that would be too easy, and things are not easy for Galadin and Caliphany. Many obstacles keep them out of each other's reach. This made me keep turning the pages, wanting to know how they would ever end up being together.

Much of the conflict comes from the inner turmoil of the two main characters because each struggles to admit their love for each other. I totally enjoyed this. At times poor Galadin couldn't seem to do anything right. He continually felt himself unworthy to be with Caliphany. While several time Caliphany couldn't fully trust him. Galadin's dark background made her leery, even though she was clearly in love with him the whole time. The two characters are both believable because they are not perfect. There were times I knew they were making a mistake, and this made me anticipate the outcome even more.

When I first started reading the book, I thought the choice of setting was not original with the usual elves, mages, faeries, kings, etc. But as I continued to read, I realized it was the right decision because an unknown type of world would've distracted from the focus of the story, which is the relationship of the main characters. As I continued, I was glad I didn't have to learn about new beings or unknown worlds. I also found the setting enjoyable and beautifully described.

The story is written in first person, and it also switches viewpoint characters. At first I feared being jarred by numerous viewpoints in first person, however, this didn't happen. All the viewpoints worked perfectly for this story. I didn't find it jarring at all. The entire story flows very smoothly.

My only nit-pick is that the story could've been wrapped up a tad sooner. Yet, I tend to be impatient at times, so it could just be me.

So in summary, I highly recommend "A Ranger's Tale."

Note: A Free Review copy was provided by the author.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Not to be missed! June 30, 2011

By WildAboutBones

Format:Kindle Edition

Mysti Parker has hit one out of the ballpark with this first story in her new Tallenmere fantasy romance series with its wizards, paladans, elves, trolls, halflings, royalty, a secret agency, a poignant romance, betrayal, a love lost and found. Parker has created a wonderful new world for her authentic characters. I only wanted to smack the heroine once or twice. <grin>

Lady Caliphany, the high elf heroine and the King's niece, as a child accidentally set their barn on fire. Now, almost 100 years later, she is still a hopeless mage in training, still treated like a child by her mother and will never be able to live up to her father's expectations. She chafes at her father's demands, rebels and comes up with a plan soon after meeting Galadin.

Galadin, the elf/human halfling hero, as a child sees his mother beheaded and father burned to death by pirates. Now, 45 years old, he is a ship captain like his father and running his father's business. He is also a ranger. When he saves Caliphany from two brutes on the dock, he has no idea his life will never be the same. He cannot forget her beautiful blue eyes.

This story is told from both Caliphany and Galadin's point of view and later Jayden's point of view as well -- I really like this style.

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting this world and this story which I read in a single sitting - I couldn't put it down.

Fans of the fantasy and paranormal romance genres should like this as well.

Warning Spoiler Alert!!!
This does have a HEA ending.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Clever and engaging December 21, 2012

By Gaele

Format:Paperback

In a uniquely compact and bluntly honest writing style, Parker has managed to craft a world, build characters and create palpable emotions in the reader with the plotting. Combining all the elements needed in a good story: a quest, a romance, characters who are unique yet sublimely defined and a series of events that are easy to relate to, this story starts slowly as readers are given the chance to familiarize themselves with the world and the characters. Soon the pacing changes and the scuffles between the two romantic leads as they struggle with their own issues and maneuvering their way through the challenges begin to appear and expose the very human-like challenges their world faces from intolerance, war, greed and violence. A really good start to what is sure to be a series appreciated by many.

I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review for the Book Trailer Showcase eMagazine. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.

More About the Author

Mysti Parker (pseudonym) is a full time wife, mother of three, and a writer. Her first novel, A Ranger's Tale was published in January, 2011 by Melange Books, and the second in the fantasy romance series, Serenya's Song, was published in April 2012. The highly anticipated third book, Hearts in Exile, has already received some great reviews. The Tallenmere series has been likened to Terry Goodkind's 'Sword of Truth' series, but is probably closer to a spicy cross between Tolkien and Mercedes Lackey.

Mysti's other writings have appeared in the anthologies Hearts of Tomorrow, Christmas Lites, and Christmas Lites II. Her flash fiction has appeared on the online magazine EveryDayFiction. She has also served as a class mentor in Writers Village University's six week free course, F2K.

Mysti reviews books for SQ Magazine, an online specfic publication, and is the proud owner of Unwritten, a blog voted #3 for eCollegeFinder's Top Writing Blogs award. She resides in Buckner, KY with her husband and three children.