The Knights of the Round Table reviewers are individuals who wish to express their opinions about the thing they love most, books. There will never be a critique from a writer or technical issues discussed as this group is designed to be reviews by readers, for readers. At this time, the reviewers wish to only give their opinion and not ‘rate’ the books. Please feel free to join in the discuss. Always let others know if you have read the book. If so, how you felt about it.
These opinions are independent and have no connection to Ciara Knight and/or this blog. Please remember to be gracious with our Knights and welcome them to the table.
Knight: Laura Diamond
In Laura Eno’s TEMPEST CHILD, the main character, Skyla, faces a challenge that she doesn’t think she can overcome—despite years of martial arts training and magical powers passed down to her by her mother and a goddess. (Gotta say, that premise alone kept me reading through the whole book. I mean, really, not knowing whether or not the main character could beat the odds set against her? How could I not read on and find out what happened?)
Skyla’s days are filled with practicing martial arts (and she isn’t allowed to use her magic skills because there are some places where magic just doesn’t work, much to Skyla’s disappointment), worrying about who will be her betrothed, and figuring out what the heck she’ll wear to her birthday party. (Dilemmas, dilemmas.)
The action picks up pretty quickly when an opposing Kingdom puts her father and her future in jeopardy. Her father is sentenced to death unless Skyla can defeat the beast living in the Crossroads of the Elements. She’s armed with a bow, a staff, and her best friend (a magical sprite who can change form) and sent off, left to her own devices to figure out how to beat her opponent.
Along the way, she meets a dangerous, intriguing, and very handsome man. They must fight a common evil to survive and, because they have to work together quite closely, it doesn’t take them long to fall in love.
But the story doesn’t end there. Skyla loses her love and not only has to fight for her father, herself, and her Kingdom, she also has to fight for him.
Bottom line: I liked this book! It feels simple but the plot keeps moving the writing is clean and I can identify with the characters. The author’s imagination is pretty cool too and I had no problem visualizing what she described. I’d definitely read more of her work.
Thank you for such an awesome review, Laura! And thanks to Ciara for the reading Knights premise.
This does sound interesting. I think I will be checking it out! Great review.
Thanks, Julie!
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for reviewing it.
I’m glad you think so, Natalie!
The book sounds like a great read. Nice review.
I hope you check it out, Lindi.
Very interesting premise … *dashes off to add it to TBR list* lol
Music to my ears, Juliana! Thank you!
Sounds like an interesting book. Great review!
I’m glad you found it interesting, Kirsten!
Nice review. Thanks for “enabling” me to buy another book! LOL!
I’m so happy you were “enabled”, Jillian! LOL!
This sounds better than Kung Fu Panda.
I’ve never heard of Kung Fu Panda, Michael…but it doesn’t have a panda. There are other strange things in it though.
So glad to read your review! Sounds like Laura’s book is a winner!
Thanks for the compliment, Betty! It’s nice to see you out and about. *hugs*
I totally agree with Knight Laura Diamond. This is one fantastic book. The kind you have to start on a Friday because you can’t put it down one you start reading it. As several friends of mine found out when I told them about the book and they read it.
Thank you, Lindsay! I loved your review of this book and appreciate you telling your friends.
Nice review
Thank you for stopping by, Shelley!
Okay, clicking over to Amazon now…
Hi, Vicki…can I squee?
Excellent review for Laura’s book!
Thanks, Alex!
I really like that Skyla has to work on martial arts and not just use magic. I’m looking the book up now…
Thanks, Helen! Yes, it’s part of the disipline.
Sorry…stupid fingers. That should have been Helena.
I enjoyed it, too. It was a great way to unwind after a long day, and there were several surprising twists. Fun read, too.
Ciara, I’m giving your book a shoutout on my blog on Friday.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Mary! Thanks for letting people know.
Hey, gang. Sorry I’m late to the party. Glad the review was helpful. Congrats, Laura! I enjoyed reading your work.
Thank you, Laura! It was a wonderful review.