Horse of Bells by Pelaam

HorseofBells_lgTitle: Horse of Bells

Author: Pelaam

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Length: Novella (138 pgs)

Publisher: Silver Publishing (5th January 2013)

Heat Level: Sensual

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Manipulated into a quest of honor to obtain the Horse of Bells from the Dark Prince, Donal knows the attempt can be fatal. He and his brother set out but are joined by the mysterious Traveler. A friend or foe?

Prince Donal and his brother Caolan are sent to safety when their stepmother Queen Doireann is suspected of an attempt on Caolan’s life. Caolan doesn’t want to break his pact with the mysterious stranger from the forest who rescued him however, his loyalty lies with his brother, and they depart.

When recalled home Donal is manipulated by Doireann into undertaking an honor-bound quest to obtain the Horse of Bells from the Dark Prince. Failure means forfeiting his right to the throne. Further, if caught he faces death for attempting to steal the Dark Prince’s magical horse.

Caolan accompanies Donal on his quest and they are joined by the enigmatic Traveler.

But is he friend or foe?

Purchase Link: https://spsilverpublishing.com/horse-of-bells-ebook-p-898.html

Review: While out hunting Caolan is rescued by a mysterious stranger and Caolan makes a pact with him because of the effect the stranger has on him, but Caolan has to break his pact, but swears to stick by his oath. Donal and Caolan are princes who are sent to safety after an attempt on Caolan’s life, their stepmother is suspected and Donal won’t risk losing his brother. Deceived into returning home Donal is tricked into a geis, an honor-bound quest, it is a geis that will be impossible to fulfill, but Donal and his brother set off for the Dark Prince’s land to obtain the Horse of Bells, picking up the Traveler along the way.

This is another great fantasy from Pelaam, which feels like it should be based on a myth. Both Caolan and Donal are great characters who are wonderful brothers, Caolan is the younger brother and Donal will do anything for him. Donal is strong in body whereas Caolan is stronger in mind, and Donal has always tried to protect his younger brother from their father’s criticisms. When they set out on their quest and Caolan meets up with his lost love it gives them, hope that they will make it to the Dark Prince’s land, but it isn’t easy to obtain a horse who doesn’t want to be obtained.

This story is wonderfully written with a couple of stories entwined, we have two brothers setting out on a quest that is dangerous and finding their true loves, we have an attempted uprising which nearly ends in sorrow and we have a mystical horse that has a mind of its own. The world building is quite good and you get a great feel for the world and circumstances, there is a very heavy medieval feel to the surroundings and you get a strong sense of whimsical myth throughout the entire book. The sexual encounters that we see between the two couples are quite sensual and loving; both couples are well suited and will do the right thing by the ones they love.

I really enjoyed this story as I do like a good medieval feeling fantasy and this one has the added bonus of having two love stories, with danger and sacrifice. Caolan makes everyone see him as a man and Donal shows why he will be king.

I have to recommend this to those who love fantasy, adventure, great characters, an interesting storyline and a very happy blissful ending.