The Chosen by Annette Gisby

18080756Title: The Chosen     

Author: Annette Gisby     

Genre: Fantasy     

Length: Novella (96pgs PDF/ 200pgs Kindle)     

Publisher: Annette Gisby (16th June 2013)  first published March 20th 2010 

Heat Level: Low – Moderate     

Heart Rating:  ♥♥♥♥3½ Hearts   

Reviewer: Pixie     

Blurb: The neighboring kingdoms of Oscia and Arcathia have been at a tentative peace for three years after centuries of warfare. Prince Severin of Arcathia has been brought up to put duty before all else and as the only son of the King and Queen, it is his duty to marry and produce an heir. His parents want him to marry an Oscian princess to cement that tentative peace. Unfortunately, Severin isn’t interested in princesses. Now, if he had his pick of princes that would be another matter.

Havyn has been a slave all his life. When his aptitude for wizardry is discovered, he finds himself purchased and freed by Prince Severin and apprenticed to the royal wizard, Ildar. His duty is to stay chaste to keep his powers strong, but his feelings for Severin sorely test his resolve.

With kingdoms at war, the throne hanging in the balance, magic in the air, and outside forces trying to keep them apart, can the two men find happiness together, or is duty more important than love?      

Purchase Link: USA: http://www.amazon.com/The-Chosen-ebook/dp/B00DFKVJ5C

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Chosen-ebook/dp/B00DFKVJ5C 

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/326842     

Review: Severin is a prince in his own country of Arcathia, he is traveling in Oscia, who they are recently at peace with after a three-year war, and comes across a slave market. Arcathia doesn’t have slaves and Severin wishes he could buy them all, but buy’s one of them to set free once he reaches Arcaitha. Havyn has always been a slave, the kindness of his new master astounds him, and to be offered an apprenticeship with a wizard! Severin must marry a princess to continue his line but he would much prefer Havyn under him, Havyn must stay chaste to keep his magic pure and fights the temptation the prince offers. With two kingdoms in the balance, murder, and betrayal, Severin must decide if duty is more important than love. 

This is a great fantasy story that has intrigue, mystery, and secrets buried. Severin doesn’t want to marry but knows he has to do his duty, when he gets to know Havyn he can’t help but dream for a different outcome. Havyn discovers that he is much more than just a slave when he meets Prince Severin and the wizard Ildar, and he has difficulty keeping chaste when Severin tempts him so much. Setting off to meet his future bride a terrible tragedy occurs and Severin faces more difficulties to come. 

I quite enjoyed this fantasy story and the developing relationship between Havyn and Severin. I liked the storyline and the mystery that is hovering just on our peripheral vision, you know there is a secret that will be revealed you just don’t know when or by who. There are a couple of things that happen that make this story interesting but I won’t ruin the surprise. The relationship between Havyn and Severin is rocky but they find their way with some sweet loving and gentle reassurances. The journey that Severin, Havyn and Ildar undertake is a decent adventure, it never bores, and it does lead to the solution to Severin’s marriage problem. 

I recommend this to those who love fantasy, interesting storylines, twists, murder, betrayal, hopeless love, sweet lovemaking and a great ending that wraps everything up nicely.