Customer Reviews

The Shadow Prince (Heartspell)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

To start, I realize that this book was written as a fantasy/sci-fi story but I had a hard time reconciling this fact when reading. There is a note from the author about being interested in a battle that took place in the 500's BC, in the region which is near present-day Afghanastan. Because of this, I was confused as to whether this story was supposed to be loosely based on fact or was pure fiction. That being said, most of the weapons and some of the clothing sounded much more Medieval than ancient and again, I had a hard time reconciling everything as I was reading.

Adrik and Lorienne were interesting characters, but I never felt like I really got to know them. They rarely talked to one another, so when did their relationship grow? Time passes but not much is said and done. Many opportunities were lost to develop more engaging characters. So on the romance side, there seemed to be a lot lacking.

The fantasy/sci-fi element was done fairly well and what kept this story at three stars for me. The premise of the story is very promising. Ancient curses, magic (from the Magii tribe), wickedly shallow and mean enemies and a damsel in distress. Not a bad mix. There was one surprise at the end which I did not anticipate, and enjoyed as well. This is not the best book I have read from Ms. Zimlich, but if you are looking for an OK read to pass the time, this is not a bad choice.

In her usual inimitable style, Jan Zimlich has penned a classic tale of anger and betrayal, love and passion. Set in a time all but forgotten except by those deeply in love with history, THE SHADOW PRINCE is almost fairytale like, and Lorienne and Adrik are so real they'll tear at your heartstrings. Tender, poignant love scenes will have you sighing deeply while reaching for your fan, and the occasional sparks of humor will cause you to laugh out loud. Yet through it all, the thread of anxiety at Adrik's fate is deftly woven, keeping the tension tight. As hard as I tried, I just could not see how she could possibly turn this around with a happy ever after ending, and just when I'd about given up hope-- she did it! Simply, realistically, while staying true to the storyline--she did it. I didn't even see it coming. And I cried.

This story is a complete departure from Ms. Zimlich's other works. She started out writing Futuristics, and her last story was historical-like in a futuristic setting. As rich and engaging as these other stories are, I'm convinced she's finally found her niche with THE SHADOW PRINCE. Her love of history combines with her story telling ability to perfection. Once you begin reading THE SHADOW PRINCE, you won't want to put it down. I promise.

This book reads more like a fantasy than a historical romance. The historical details are sketchy, and the tribe and geography are so foreign sounding, this could be another planet, or some fantastical world for all I could tell.

The characters here were well-drawn. The plot flowed smoothly, despite its intricacy. The story was involved, but never tangled or got bogged down in its various parts. Neither the romance nor the historical distracted from the fantasy elements of the story, and visa versa. SP missed one of the classic blunders of genre-blend novels. It balanced all of its elements seamlessly. Definitely a good read.

I found this book to be very passionate, but more than that, the setting is beautiful. It is a very good story and a joy to read. I place it way up on my list of top reads of late along with Kenyon's Fantasy Lover, and Anything, My Love by Cynthia Simmons. Also enjoyed Beyond Seduction.

I must admit to some confusion, did I even read the same story the others that gave this book 4 stars did???

The story and plot had so much potential and this potential was not lived up too. I feel that the main characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth. They spent too little time together so I was confused as to when they fell in love with each other. I also feel that too much effort was made on Adricks half-brother, his father and his stepmother this took away from the romance I think. There was more fantasy then romance and the "magic" that was alluded to was a bomb. I was really looking forward to reading a "fantasy, magic, romance" since this is a new genre for me I must admit to high hopes. I love to escape into different worlds with the author, in this case I felt forced into her world since it was not an all together pleasant experience to keep forcing myself not to just put the book down and walk away. I am not against reading books that are minus the romance, but when promised a love story it would be nice to read one that keeps me hooked. I hope that this is not a promise of things to come for me and this genre.

...which is about all there is to recommend this book. Just too dark and brooding and it seemed to take forEVER to get to the point of things, which was a rare feat considering how short the book was.

Just finished this book. Loved the unique setting. Loved this author's lushious writing style. And I loved the Dark Prince! It was so unlike what I usually read, but just the thing to clear the palate. Highly recommended!

This book didn't read well for me as either fantasy or romance. It starts out with a great premise, a sorceror bound by a demon is given a woman by his brother the king, and only she can redeem him. Unfortunately I think the romance took a back seat to everything else that was going on. Not only were most of the characters' thoughts and feelings not addressed, the heroine was basically a pawn who did no more than get moved about so she could be at the right place for subsequent scenes. That made the book lack depth for me.

I was also disappointed by the lack of feel for time and place because I was really looking forward to a new romance setting. The book felt like could have taken place almost anywhere and any time before the Renaissance.

So while the story worked OK as a romantic adventure, I didn't feel that it lived up to it's potential.

The Shadow Prince is well worth the read. I, too have read all Ms. Zimlich's books and am nothing but impressed by her writing ability. This book sweeps you into a fantasy past and showcases Ms. Zimlich's ability to create refreshing and innovative plots. The tension between the forces of good and evil grip you until the end of the story which Ms. Zimlich ties up quite cleverly. If you are looking for richy drawn, sympathetic characters and a fascinating read, I recommend this book.

This book was light on complexity and heavy on over-used romantic language. All the same, it was a decent plot with thick characters and a realistic, if a bit quick, love story. A message of triumph over evil is always a nice read. It won't take long to get through, and in the end it's worth the read.