Title: Defiant Revival
Author: L. Rockwood
Genre: High Fantasy
Length: Novel (300 pages)
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (October 28, 2016)
Heat Level: Low – Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3.75 Hearts
Blurb: To free the kingdom from the depravity of Cardinal Aldrious, Prince Micah Helvendeere must take his rightful place as ruler.
Unfortunately, the prince has been dead for a year.
Billiam Grimhart, former page to the prince, knows Micah’s assumption of the throne is the last chance to purge Casperland of the cardinal’s corruption. And for that to happen, the prince must be revived. Only one person stands a chance of achieving the nearly impossible: exiled enchantress Shemmy DuBois, a raunchy bog witch with an affinity for corpses and a heart of gold. Billiam sets out to coax Shemmy to their cause, despite what wading through piles of bodies will do to his favorite shoes.
If he can accomplish it, Billiam might finally get to consummate his love for the prince—something Shemmy is keen to witness. But first, they’ll need to steal Micah’s body, brave a land inhabited by vicious faeries, and accept the help of accomplices as vile and perverse as their enemies. They might be far from typical heroes, but sometimes those are the only people who can get the job done.
If you like dark and edgy high-concept fantasy that’s not for those with delicate sensibilities, join Billiam, Shemmy, and their Faelock allies as they stage their revolution.
ISBN: 978-1-63477-850-3
Product Link: https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/defiant-revival-by-l-rockwood-7702-b
Reviewer: Shorty
Review: Billam, son of the captain of the guards, takes his father’s place as leader. This story takes place after the young prince is dead and everyone associated with the former king has been disbanded from the castle. A third party is telling the tale who is part of the former guards and alliances to the former king.
There is corruption and deceit from an evil cardinal who is power hungry. Billam along with his ragtag group attempt to revive Micah, the prince, by way of Shemmy, an enchantress and former noble. It is an amazing journey fraught with danger at every turn as Billam sets plans in motion that will bring his love back to him and rest power from the man that never should have trusted.
Though intense at times it was a wonderfully written story. Though I was confused at first as to why someone other than the main characters told the story but it was explained as to why. Billiam seemed determined to make things right again. I loved that he was willing to do anything for the prince. All the characters were intriguing and I imagined what they were like the further I read. I liked that it had more than just humans as it added an extra element of intrigue as you read.
Good read.
