Title: Chalice
Series: Planetary Submissives 01
Author: Amber Kell
Genre: Sci-fi, Futuristic, Paranormal
Length: Novella (71pgs)
Publisher: Total E-Bound (16th January 2012)
Heat Level: Explicit
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3 ½Hearts
Reviewer: Pixie
Blurb: In order to stop his magic from eating him alive, Chalice seeks out a man strong enough to dominate and control him.
Chalice might be a prince on his planet but his submissive tendencies prevent him from dealing with the incredible energy coursing through his body. Magic users need a second to balance them out, but there has never been a case where the one with the power didn’t hold the dominant position. Chalice’s ability as a rare four elemental magic wielder already marks him as different, though. And with the king in denial of his son’s needs, he has no choice but to look off—planet to find a powerful partner.
He runs into a diplomat on a mission who leads Chalice to agree to be the pet of an emperor—one whose reputation for tossing aside subs is only balanced out by the fact that Chalice thinks he’s the sexiest creature he’s ever seen. Chalice takes the plunge, hoping the biggest gamble of his life won’t prove to be his biggest mistake.
Purchase Link: http://www.total-e-bound.com/product.asp?P_ID=1512
Review: Chalice needs a strong Dominant male to help balance out his magic. Without a grounding force, he can only control his magic for minutes at a time, before he loses control. Chalice leaves his planet and takes a chance and hopes everything will work out. Terrin is an emperor, who has discarded many pets, but Chalice has caught his eye and Chalice’s demeanor intrigues him and he suspects he won’t get bored with him so easily.
Okay, I was really looking forward to this book, as I had been teased by Ms. Kell releasing little snippets on her blog for seems like forever. The earliest post being way back when in 2010 (I have a long memory). And I did enjoy the story…kinda. Chalice is looking for a Master to ground him and help him balance his magic. He has come to terms with his needs, despite his family insisting that he should be the master and not the mastered, due to the level of his magic. Meanwhile, Terrin wants a pet/sub who can keep his attention. When these two meet it seems like a connection made in heaven, but Chalice has to tell Terrin his secrets and hope he reacts well.
This has a good story-line and plot, the characters are portrayed really well, the sex was hot and the story was humorous in places… but it wasn’t as well-developed as Ms Kell’s previous work; (which is really strange as she doesn’t usually miss a beat). Because although we are told that Chalice is a four elemental magic wielder and that he needs a Master to balance it out the details were not there, you know… how does it balance it out? How does it work? Who was behind the attack? So Ms Kell has a slightly lower rating this time.
So my recommendation… although not up to the authors usually par this is still an enjoyable, cute novella. There is definitely room for a series. There is one traveler, in particular, who would make a great main character in a sequel. *hint, hint* It has hot sex, great characters, a bit of danger, a bit of angst and a HEA so I’d say get the book, grab a cup of tea and enjoy.