Customer Reviews

The Sword (Sons of Destiny)

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is Jean Johnson's first book. She tells a great story. She has also laid out a path for a terrific new series. There was a bit too much info in the beginning of the story, meant to set up the series. It basically surrounds 8 brothers who are known as "The Sons of Destiny", born in 4 sets of twins in a different universe where magic thrives.

The problem was trying not to get confused as she introduced 8 men, pointing out each of their names, each of their specific magical gifts, each of their personalities, each of their physical descriptions, and which brother is a twin to which other. Another important detail to note is that each brother has a prophesied destiny. Some have positive destinies, others are said to be cursed. About half way through the book, I was able to keep most of the details straight.

For those who would like a head-start, here is a quick reference to The Sons of Destiny. Otherwise, scroll down for a specific review of "The Sword."

1. Saber "The Sword": Oldest of the 8 brothers. A master magician ("Mage") in the field of swords. His prophesied curse: If he ever finds true love, disaster will fall upon his land. Heir to a Count title that would have made him ruler of his native land of Katan, if the brothers had not been exiled by citizens who were afraid of the curse.

His Twin-

2. Wolfer "The Wolf": Second oldest. A Mage in the field of hunting, he can turn himself into a wolf. Largest and most muscular of the brothers. His personality is that of a gentle giant. He wears a braided lock of hair around his wrist; a gift from the woman he loved in Katan before the exile.

3. Dominor "The Master": Third oldest. A Mage with multiple gifts, he is said to be the one who will control his own destiny. Fiercely competitive and a perfectionist in all things. It is prophesied that he will meet a woman who is his match.

His Twin-

4. Evanor "The Song": Fourth oldest. A Mage of sound. Anyone can contact him from anywhere in the universe by singing out his name. He can then respond and have a conversation with his caller. He sings with a pure and beautiful voice. His personality is gentle and mild.

5. Trevan "The Cat": Fifth in the line. A Mage of animals, he can turn himself into many different beasts and birds, but his favorite is the one that matches his own personality: the cat. Enjoys seducing and flirting with women. Skilled in building furniture and other things from wood.

His Twin-

6. Rydan "The Storm": Sixth in line. A Mage of night and weather. A mystery to his family, he chooses to only leave his room during the night hours. Always dressed in black, his hair and eyes are also midnight black. Rarely speaks or shows emotion. Can conjure storms at will. It is prophesied that if he falls in love, the woman will destroy him at dawn.

7. Koranen "The Flame": Second youngest. A Mage of fire. Can conjure flames from his hands. Can also magically heal burn wounds. Uses fire to create magic lamps that light the brothers' castle. Can battle dragon-like beasts with his flames. Easy tempered and friendly.

His Twin-

8. Morganen "The Mage": Youngest Son of Destiny. Known simply as "The Mage" because he is by far the most powerful and gifted magician in the family- possibly even the universe. Can transport people and objects through different galaxies. Is a bit feared by his brothers because of his power, yet loved because of his giving spirit and kind temperament. Has taken the burden of the prophesied curses upon his own shoulders, working endlessly to help each brother find true love and happiness despite their curses.

Now that you know the brothers, here is a specific review of Saber's story...

Being the oldest, Saber feels responsible for making sure that he and his 8 brothers avoid their prophesied destinies. His destiny is said to be one of a great curse. If he falls in love, his land will face disaster. The people of his land have banished the 8 brothers in order to avoid the tragedy he may cause them. As a result, he has been denied his right to rule as The Count of Katan.

Kelly Doyle is living a dismal life in modern day America. She has lost her job and is barely making ends meet by sewing and doing embroidery for pay. She nearly dies when hateful neighbors set her house on fire while she is sleeping in her bed.

Saber's youngest brother, Morganen, sees Kelly burning through his scrying mirror. To save her life, he brings her through the mirror into the world of magic. He then has his twin, Koranen, heal her burn wounds and save her life. Morganen has plans for Kelly. He believes she may be Saber's destiny. He is sure they can break the curse.

Over the next several weeks, Saber and Kelly are forced to spend time together. Little by little, love blossoms.

A ship has landed on the brothers' island. Staking a flag into the ground, the crew's leader claims the island in the name of his king. Now the brothers must find a way to keep the outsiders from bringing war to their home. Using magic, they create an illusional kingdom of great power. The outsiders are fooled and decide to leave, but not without causing the brothers to suffer an unbearable loss.

This book ends with a big opening for the next in the series to pick up on. I'm looking forward to seeing how they will handle the tragedy.

All of the brother characters are excellent. They all have their own way of being fun, sexy, and mysterious.

I wish I could have liked Kelly's character as well. I liked her less and less as the story unfolded. The 8 brothers brought her into their home and saved her life. They treat her with the utmost respect. In return, she complains that they are all slobs and announces that she is taking over the castle. When one of the brothers, Dominor, refuses to do her bidding in his own home, she uses karate to slam him to the floor and nearly dislocates his arm. She holds him there until he agrees to "obey her." She dictates house rules that basically say nobody is allowed to touch her or yell at her. This is extremely hypocritical, because she spends the whole book screaming at them, calling them disrespectful names, and threatening them. Somehow, this is supposed to be okay because she is female. She also makes a point of letting them all know that men are stupid and not worthy of respect in general. Any one of these men could have easily snapped her in two, but they never retaliate because they were raised to treat women gently. I was really wishing one of them would slap a "sit- down- and -shut- up" spell on her. I would have been able to enjoy the story more.

Another problem is the fact that she is written to somehow know everything about everything. With a degree in business, how exactly did she come to know all of the details about how cars are made, how to design elaborate mechanical pulley systems in various different forms, how guns are made, how buildings are constructed, etc...? It was too much.

I'm truly hoping the next book, Wolfer's story, will have a female character that I can like. If Kelly had been likable, this book would have been as easy 5 star read.

If you don't like a strong female lead character, this may not be the book for you, as the first reviewer points out. But if you do like women who usually know what they want and how to get it in life...then this one is a keeper.

I mean, here's this woman, Kelly, an independent, well-educated, self-sufficient (or at least trying to be) soul living as best she can in our universe. She's got problems with her neighbors--to the point where they try to burn down her home with her still in it, in fact--but she's doing her best to deal with that. Then she gets kidnapped into a whole new universe--admittedly to save her life--where she's the only woman around for miles. Stranded in a houseful of men whom haven't had female companionship for years. Literally. Wouldn't you do your best as a single, sole female in a house filled with men to seize control of the situation before it gets any further out of hand?

And then there's this man, Saber. He's the head of his family by birth-order and a sense of responsibility drummed into him by his parents, but he's not the most powerful of his brothers. Worse, in his universe--where magic is real and Curses are real--if he's allowed to fall in love with a woman, it could bring a Disaster crashing down upon his people's empire! Being exiled to an island without any women for companionship is bad, but not as bad as a Disaster...so when his youngest brothers dumps not only a woman on the island, but a weird outworlder from some other universe, and then demands that he, Saber, watch over her...well, you'd be a little grumpy and stressed-out about it, too, wouldn't you? If the safety and fate of your homeland was literally threatened by the possibility of you having a happy love-life? That's a lot of responsibility for one man to be burdened with, if you ask me.

Finding out how these two reconcile their strong personalities and understandable personal fears was quite enjoyable. (And inventive!) The fact that there are more books on the way is something I very much look forward to seeing. In fact, this particular author has held a few contests, allowing people to get their hands on advanced copies of her novels, and I was lucky enough to get to read an advance version of "The Wolf", the next story in the Sons of Destiny series.

Not to give anything away in that one, but if Kelly and Saber still sound too vigorous in their attitudes for you, perhaps you will enjoy the tale of Wolfer and Alys? Each of the eight brothers is different; that much is apparent in the very first book. But what I find equally delightful is that the author has made each of the ladies in these novels different as well. Alys is shy where Kelly is bold, and quiet where Kelly is loud. She's capable of great bravery, as is Kelly, but these two heroines are as different as their twin heroes. Alys is her own unique self, a character who can appeal to anyone who has suffered in their home life the way she has...and that's all I can say without giving major plot details away.

These aren't cookie-cutter women! You know, the same type of heroine book after book after book. Ms. Johnson doesn't seem to believe in stereotypical heroines; in fact, they come across as real people. If the contrast between Kelly's and Alys' characters is this apparent, I can't wait to see the heroine of the third book, and the heroine of the fourth...

More than that, these books have serious PLOT in them. They're not just your typical romance novels; the blending of romance and fantasy is greater than most others in this sub-genre that I've read. The fantasy elements aren't just a plot-device to get heroes and heroines together; it's very much a part of the overall story. [Not to give anything away, but while this first book, "The Sword", can stand on its own, it sets up some of the plot for the second novel, "The Sword", and for the third book in the series (to be released at some point this coming September--I don't know if I can wait that long!!), and something tells me that there may even be plot for the fourth book in the series buried in these pages, too.]

So yes, Kelly comes across as a strong-willed character. I suspect that she'll need to be strong at some point in the future of these novels...because these plots are interwoven with possibilities for future plot-twists that make me breathless thinking about them. You don't get to see Kelly and Saber in just this first novel alone, either; I'm pretty sure you'll see these two reappearing time and again not only in "The Wolf", but in all subsequent books in this series. I don't know about other readers, but I LIKE that idea! I've always wondered "So what happened next?" when I came to the end of a good story. *grins* Looks like Ms. Johnson, here, is going to deliver the answer to that very question, and deliver it up to seven more times!

In an alternate world where magic exists, eight brothers have been exiled due to a Curse. The four sets of twins have been cast out of their homeland and reside on Nightfall Isle. The youngest brother and the strongest mage, Morganen, defies all by rescuing Kelly Doyle from her burning bed... and sets into motion the guidelines of the Curse as dictated by the Seer Draganna. Saber is the oldest of the brothers and therefore reluctant to have any friendly contact with Kelly as he fears the unknown disaster foretold by the Seer. See what waits in store for the first Son of Destiny in THE SWORD.

THE SWORD is a splendid combination of romance and fantasy! The first part of the book is a bit too heavy on setting up the story and did drag a bit. However, once Kelly's character began to emerge as the very strong woman she is, the story took off. Kelly is forced to live in a world dominated by Alpha males but she doesn't cower despite her smaller size. Instead, she uses her wits and focuses on her strengths to make her own way in a world in which she is both the only female and the only non-magical person. THE SWORD has some of the best scenes of a male getting his comeuppance I have ever read!

Jean Johnson has crafted a number of very interesting creatures in this fascinating alternate reality. The mekhadadaks were wonderful although I did find myself comparing them to the replicators from the television show, SG-1, despite the obvious differences. However, it was the watersnakes that really creeped me out as Jean Johnson put such an interesting spin to these icky creatures.

THE SWORD is a superb addition to the ranks of the fantasy romances! Romance is a heavy element in this story but the fantasy is not overwhelmed by the sparks flying between Kelly and Saber. Jean Johnson has created a story that transports the reader into a world in which magic is a fact of life as THE SWORD is a definite keeper!

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

God, I loathed the "heroine", Kelly. I mean loathed. Instead of being, oh, I don't know, grateful that her underfed butt was saved, she is abusive, domineering, and completely arrogant. While I thought that the story had great potential, and I am looking forward to the destinies of the other brothers, my intense dislike of one of the main characters was a hard one to get over.

Kelly Doyle is brought into the realm of Nightfall, an island inhabited by eight brothers, four sets of twins, all with magical abilities. The brothers have been exiled to Nightfall to avoid the disaster that will befall them if they fall in love. Thus begins a fairy tale of romance and magic. Kelly quickly whips the brothers and the castle into shape while falling in love with the oldest brother, Saber. While I sometimes had issues with the only female character, Kelly, this book was overall entertaining and fun to read. The author is definitely into women's rights, and while I am all for that, Kelly could be a little belligerent. After being locked in her room, as no brother wants their destiny to come true, she escapes to descend upon the brothers and whip them into shape. She has them cleaning the castle from top to bottom and proceeds to lay down her ground rules. I found her at this point of the story to be somewhat obnoxious. This, after all, is not her home. Granted, the youngest brother, Morganen, has brought her there unwillingly. He does save her from dying in a fire. With that part aside, I enjoyed the book. I loved all the brothers and all of their magical abilities. I will definitely read the next in the series. This book had it all. It had wonderful male characters, magic, romance and it held my interest.

I rarely read books in this venue as I usually find them too fantastic, unbelievable or just plain silly. However, this book was infinitely readable. The characters were charming; I really wanted them to win. The plot caught my attention immediately and did not lag. The fantasy was clever -- not overdone and so far from reality as to become trite.

I plan to own the rest of the books in this series just as soon as they are available. I will be reading these books again and again.

Bottom Line: Try before you buy

This seemed like an awfully predictable book to me. None of the characters grabbed my attention, nor did I connect with them, nor did they interest me in any way. I wish they had.

It was a bit, corny for my tastes. Boy meets girl and falls in love is probably the oldest story ever written, now show me how you can make that story different and show me how you've changed it into an awesome story, that has me laughing/crying/jumping for joy. This book just didn't do any of that for me.

I'd recommend Kresley Cole (If you Dare series), Elizabeth Vaughan (Warprize), Lora Leigh (Submission/Seduction), Rhyannon Byrd (Against the Wall) for straight romance.

Or if you want paranormal romance Kresley Cole (Immortal series), Keri Arthur (Riley Jenson series), J.R. Ward, or Lora Leigh (Breeds series).

I have so gotten bored with the same formulaic paranormal romances and believe me I have read plenty of them. When I found Jean Johnson's "The Sword," I started enjoying it immediately upon the first chapter. I liked many things about the story and the brothers were all strong in character, interesting and fun.

I liked the magical elements in the book, such as Kelly the heroine ending up in an alternate universe. And some of the creatures were interesting. But most of all I loved Jean Johnson's delightful wit and humor. I laughed so hard in the beginning when Saber first slung Kelly over his shoulders and she was fighting him.

The way Ms. Johnson uses humor reflects my own, and there were many more touches throughout the book. Many times and this pretty much sums it up for me, the reason I am fed up with many of the paranormal romance books that I keep trying to read (and failing for the most part), is that there is very little humor between the characters. But this book did not disappoint.

The only thing I didn't care for very much, was Kelly the heroine. Now don't get me wrong, I am a strong female and I admire strong female heroines. But I think Ms. Johnson went a bit too far in that direction in her characterization of Kelly. She was a bit beyond strong for my liking. I mean Kelly was saved from death by one of the brothers and owed them her life. Instead of being grateful, she came across more as an abrasive, domineering, cruel taskmaster in her treatment of them, just to get her point across, of not being abused. I feel that Ms. Johnson could have done it in a more intelligent creative way rather than having Kelly physically and mentally abuse the brothers to achieve it. In addition, I did not think it was realistic that the brothers knowing their strong personalities, were so meek and submissive to her abuse. I was glad that Saber at least still tried to stand up to her forcefulness when he joined the scene a while later.

However that flaw aside, I will definitely read the second book in the series, and I hope the heroine is more to my liking then the first.

i enjoyed the story, but i'm debating whether this is a keeper? the premise of 8 brothers and fulfilling their destinys is an excellent one, but it just didn't have the it factor..

saber and kelly were both likeable, there were some instances that kelly may have taken her "bossiness" a little too far, but it worked for the story, having been through what she had, i can see kelly not trusting too fast, and being on constant guard.

although if i had been one of the brothers with all this magic at hand, i may have put a spell on her so that she couldn't make a sound against them ;O)

i think i will give JJ another chance, as i would really like to read about Rydan's story.. (although he is the sixth brother and i'm not sure i will remember this series when his book does come out)

would not purchase at full price

I am not normally a romance fan. That being said, I was thrilled (and more than a touch envious) when I was told Jean had gotten published.

More envy followed once I read The Sword.

Jean has a terrific grasp of suspense and romance, with a good touch of humor to keep things interesting. The interactions between the 8 brothers, with the occasional attendant brotherly squabbles, made the story flow that much more pleasantly.

Kelly Doyle, wrongly accused of witchcraft, woke up in her burning bed. She passed out from pain, and likely, smoke inhalation, to find herself in a realm she did not know, in the company of a bunch of hunky men, whom she could not, at first understand. Even though she was healed of her wounds, it was still a frightening experience, even if she was being chased around by a VERY handsome man, the sword of the title, Saber of Corvis (in exile) now Saber of Nightfall.

Saber, for his part, was under the pressure of the fear of the Curse of the Sons of Destiny, which predicted a disaster would befall his world should he EVER fall in love. And now he was confronted with a terrified woman who was very much to his liking.

The complications of their attraction to one another, as well as their own headstrong and prickly temperaments kept everything interesting. Their courtship is definitely love/hate for a good portion of the story.

About the only problem I had was that it took me a while to get caught up as to which brother was which, but then again, considering this is the starting volume of a series, some exposition has to be expected.

I am definitely looking forward to the rest of this series!