Series: Druid's Curse
Volume: 3/8Publisher: Self-Published
Genre/s: MM Fantasy Paranormal Romance
Length: 40 760 words
Read in: English
Review copy format: epub
Rate:✮✮✮✮✮✬
When Fae's monsters attacked for the fist time, Cullen McIntyre's family was unprepared for it. The second time they came, the McIntyres were still not ready. Now, however, Cullen is determined to prevent this from happening again. Not having time to mourn his killed family members, the man must mobilize and protect those who survived the attacks. Unfortunately, despite all the preparations, not everything goes according to a plan. When the situation gets dramatic, a handsome stranger comes to the rescue. The problem is that the handsome is accidentally shot, and Cullen is forced to leave the wounded, "dying" Ulf on the battlefield. But what if the stranger is not dying?
"A Menacing Tempest" is the third volume of the "Druid's Curse" series, so reviewing this book it is worth noting that the story presented in this installment looks really great both as an independent novel and as an integral part of the series. This is very important, because the reader once again has the opportunity to follow an extremely interesting story set in a unique, complex world. Although this book has some common points with previous volumes of the series, it really differs from them. That's why reading "A Menacing Tempest" we learn a completely new, fascinating story about another two characters. This novel is far from being like some kind of the previous ones' triplet or from having the same "body" just differently dressed. This novel is something completely new, but inseparably connected with previous volumes, which I think is a really big plus.
I have to admit that in "A Menacing Tempest" I also liked the fact that this time the druids, or at least this volume's "merry men" – in other words, Cullen and his family – while fighting for their lives make a full use of today's world achievements and are definitely better prepared to face the monstrous Fae's pets. I admit, at first I was a little surprised, because I didn't expect any extensive preparation for the fight with the opponents from the other side of the Veil. However, my imagination quickly caught up and I really liked the idea of modern weapons used in the fight against Fae. I loved it even more, because it certainly is an interesting addition to the druids' magic and white weapon used by the Vikings. In short, in this installment of the series we really have the opportunity to feel the uniqueness of the urban fantasy genre.
It is also worth adding that in this volume of "Druid's Curse" we definitely notice an increased pace of action, including the one concerning the love story. To be honest, we have the impression that in terms of feelings and then the relationship, the characters largely rush headfirst into it. After all, Cullen and Ulf's first meeting is quite unusual, as one of them is shot and left behind to die. Thus, the first meeting of these two is marked by dark humor, and yet it doesn't keep them from quickly and definitely giving vent to their mutual sexual desire. In fact, in this respect they are different from other couples, which is an advantage of this volume, as it distinguishes Ulf and Cullen's feelings and relationship from others, more thoughtful and more careful ones.
To sum up, "A Menacing Tempest" is another really good volume of an amazing and addictive series by Shea Balik. The author once again delights us with an interesting plot, brilliant characters and well-chosen dose of action and romance.
Headcanon: -
Fanfiction idea: -
AU idea: Hogwarts!AU
Here's some more about:
Book Title: A Menacing Tempest, Druid’s Curse 3
Author: Shea Balik
Cover Artist: Harris Channing
Trope/s: Fated Mates
Themes: Druids, Spells, Shifters, Magic, Fae, Seelie, Unseelie
Overall Heat Rating for the series: 4 flames
Release Date: June 14, 2019
PLEASE NOTE: Although each book in this series focuses on a different couple, to enjoy the overall story arc, it is recommended you read these in order.
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Ancient Druids, who monitored the Veil for centuries, curse a band of marauding Vikings. Now immortal and shifters, the cursed men must protect today’s Druids from Unseelie minions, allowing them to continue the rituals that protect all of humanity.
Blurb
Blurb
When it came to defense, or offense when needed, Cullen McIntyre thought he was prepared. It wasn’t until he watched as monsters he’d never knew existed walked out of thin air to kill members of his family, twice, that Cullen realized how wrong he’d been. By the third time he’d come face to face with those determined to kill him and the rest of his family for doing their duty, Cullen knew he needed help, and lots of it.
The moment Ulf laid eyes on Cullen, he’d been enthralled by the man’s resolve to protect what was left of his family. Being shot and left for dead by Cullen should have cooled his desire for the fiery man, but it only made him want him more. By the time he caught up to Cullen, Ulf knew, without a doubt, the druid was destined to be his. Now he just needed to convince Cullen of that.
As Cullen and Ulf join their friends to fight the monsters from the realm of the Fae, they find there is a new threat waiting to get through the Veil. A threat they might not be able to defeat. Will Ulf & Cullen get their chance at happily ever after, or will the Fae finally succeed in their quest to destroy the veil?
The moment Ulf laid eyes on Cullen, he’d been enthralled by the man’s resolve to protect what was left of his family. Being shot and left for dead by Cullen should have cooled his desire for the fiery man, but it only made him want him more. By the time he caught up to Cullen, Ulf knew, without a doubt, the druid was destined to be his. Now he just needed to convince Cullen of that.
As Cullen and Ulf join their friends to fight the monsters from the realm of the Fae, they find there is a new threat waiting to get through the Veil. A threat they might not be able to defeat. Will Ulf & Cullen get their chance at happily ever after, or will the Fae finally succeed in their quest to destroy the veil?
BOOK 1
Book Title: The End of Darkness, Druid’s Curse 1
Length: 42 210 words
Release Date: April 15, 2019
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Blurb
Ryley Duggan resented his family for forcing him home on his twenty-first birthday to perform another stupid fire ritual, instead of letting him go out and get shit-faced like normal people his age. He’d never believed in the stories his grandmother told him about the reason behind what they were doing. That was, until he walked outside to the bonfire to see bloodcurdling creatures that no Hollywood studio had ever come close to replicating, killing his family.
Since an early age, Eirik had one job, to protect the descendants of the one who’d cursed him and his friends. It hadn’t been what he’d ever imagined for his life, but after nearly a millennium, Eirik had learned one thing, life never went as planned. Never had that been truer than when he’d rescued Ryley from certain death.
Now the two must learn to work together to save humanity. Will all be lost? Or will they discover a way to heal their hearts by opening themselves up to love?
Since an early age, Eirik had one job, to protect the descendants of the one who’d cursed him and his friends. It hadn’t been what he’d ever imagined for his life, but after nearly a millennium, Eirik had learned one thing, life never went as planned. Never had that been truer than when he’d rescued Ryley from certain death.
Now the two must learn to work together to save humanity. Will all be lost? Or will they discover a way to heal their hearts by opening themselves up to love?
BOOK 2
Book Title: A Flicker of Hope, Druid’s Curse 2
Length: 42 210 words
Release Date: May 29, 2019
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Blurb
Kegan Tulach already knew that monsters were real. He’d faced them. Watched in horror as they killed those he loved. Then run from them. It was his response for the past two years. But now, on his twenty-first birthday, running wasn’t an option. He had nowhere to go. It was time for him to face his worst nightmare.
There weren’t many people who could do what Bjorn did. Fight monsters and live to tell the tale. It was a job thrust upon him as a kid. If he had known the true hell that would be cursed upon him, he would have preferred to die even though he’d only been fourteen at the time. Now, years later, he had hope that the curse would come to an end. The question was, would he choose the death he’d so desperately craved for more than a millennia, or would he do the one thing he swore he’d never do? Choose love.
If Kegan and Bjorn can find a way past their fears, they may discover something worth living for – each other.
WARNING: This book contains some graphic violence against Unseelie monsters and hot man on man love!
There weren’t many people who could do what Bjorn did. Fight monsters and live to tell the tale. It was a job thrust upon him as a kid. If he had known the true hell that would be cursed upon him, he would have preferred to die even though he’d only been fourteen at the time. Now, years later, he had hope that the curse would come to an end. The question was, would he choose the death he’d so desperately craved for more than a millennia, or would he do the one thing he swore he’d never do? Choose love.
If Kegan and Bjorn can find a way past their fears, they may discover something worth living for – each other.
WARNING: This book contains some graphic violence against Unseelie monsters and hot man on man love!
BOOK 4
Book Title: Fatal Frost, Druid’s Curse 4
Length: 41 760
Release Date: August 23, 2019
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Blurb
No way was Arne going to allow fate to chain him to a guy who thought all creatures, even those determined to kill you, were worthy of saving. Arne was a Viking warrior, death was his thing and he was damned good at it.
Dermot Kincaid believed all of God’s creations deserved respect. He was a pacifist at heart, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t stand up for himself. Even when that meant getting retribution against the asshole who thought he was better than anyone else.
When Arne and Dermot are attacked, they must find common ground so they can work together to defeat the enemy. If they can’t, they may not just risk losing, but they also risk their hearts developing a Fatal Frost.
Dermot Kincaid believed all of God’s creations deserved respect. He was a pacifist at heart, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t stand up for himself. Even when that meant getting retribution against the asshole who thought he was better than anyone else.
When Arne and Dermot are attacked, they must find common ground so they can work together to defeat the enemy. If they can’t, they may not just risk losing, but they also risk their hearts developing a Fatal Frost.
BOOK 5
Book Title: Beneath the Surface, Druid’s Curse 5
Length: 41 420 words
Release Date: September 7, 2019
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Blurb
His whole life Hrafn had been ridiculed for his inability to always understand things. He was slower than others when it came to comprehending the world around him, but that didn’t mean he didn’t want what everyone else did – love. Yet, he was sure that would never happen for him, for who could ever learn to love someone like him?
With a knock on the door, Teagan’s world had been changed. Unsure how life could be so cruel and take his family from him, Teagan struggled to find meaning in his life. Searching for his ancestry led him to the place where the origins of his family tree began. If he’d known his being there would bring hell upon earth to that small town, he never would have come. Then again, if he hadn’t, he never would have met his fate.
Hrafn and Teagan must find a way to break down the barriers of their past so they can see what is Beneath the Surface if they hope to find their eternal love.
With a knock on the door, Teagan’s world had been changed. Unsure how life could be so cruel and take his family from him, Teagan struggled to find meaning in his life. Searching for his ancestry led him to the place where the origins of his family tree began. If he’d known his being there would bring hell upon earth to that small town, he never would have come. Then again, if he hadn’t, he never would have met his fate.
Hrafn and Teagan must find a way to break down the barriers of their past so they can see what is Beneath the Surface if they hope to find their eternal love.
About the Author
Best Selling author of the Cedar Falls Series, Paranormal War Series, and Miracle Series, Shea Balik has always had a vivid imagination with stories running around in her head. Often her stories are taken from observations of other people with her own spin.
Traveling is one of her favorite ways of fulfilling her passion of people watching. You never know, one day you may spark her imagination for her next book.
Whether at home or traveling she is usually in front of her computer writing or curled up with a good book.
You can stay up to date with everything Shea by following any or all links below:
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Giveaway
Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway for a chance to win:
1st Prize – $25 Amazon Gift Card
2nd Prize- One (1) ecopy of each of The Druid’s Curse Series
1st Prize – $25 Amazon Gift Card
2nd Prize- One (1) ecopy of each of The Druid’s Curse Series
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