Astarte's Wrath by Trisha WolfeSeries: Kythan Guardians #0.5
Published by: Self Published on March 2, 2013
Genre: Historical Fiction, Mythology, Romance
Pages: 179
Source: Purchased
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Rating: ★★★★
A tragic love story.
Two thousand years before Dez Harkly developed her secret powers, Guardian Astarte was vowed to protect by the binds enslaving her to the Egyptian pharaohs. Discover the prophecy that originated from a very different time, and spans generations to link two very different girls.
This is the beginning.
Set against the backdrop of the Battle of Actium, in the city of Alexandria, Star struggles with her guardian duties as her feelings for the newly named pharaoh of Egypt grow deeper. Not only is Caesarion her duty, he's the son of Cleopatra, and he's human. All of which makes their love forbidden.
But when a conspiracy linked to Caesar creeps into Alexandria, Star must choose between helping her fellow Kythan free themselves of their servitude, and protecting her charge—the last pharaoh—while Egypt burns around her.
Astarte’s Wrath is perfect for any huge Egyptian mythology buffs. Riddled with war, chaos, history, and mythology, this book is intense, full of action, and tragic. It takes place during the Battle of Actium (between Octavian of Rome and Cleopatara of Egypt) so it’s safe to say that there is a lot of loss, betrayal, and devastation. Entire empires and kingdoms are at stake and with politics being what they are, there is plenty of blood.
What I really liked about Astarte’s Wrath was how it mixed real history with magic and fantasy. There were historical events and plot points that I recognized, but they were entertained with a magical race and other fictitious elements. It definitely made this story unique!
The romance in Astarte’s Wrath is DELICIOUS! This is considered a “New Adult” books so things are a little hotter and heavier than in a young adult book. There aren’t too many sexy scenes, but the ones that are there are breathtaking; they’re tender, sweet, romantic, passionate, and totally lusty. Seriously.. it was amazing how passionate these two characters were about each other. It made my heart glow (that’s weird, but true!).
“Would you give up your friends? Would you trade a long, nearly immortal life of servitude in exchange for a short one… with me?”
Xarion, Astarte’s Wrath by Trisha Wolfe
I want him to touch every spot on my body, kiss every inch—own me, and not stop until I’m too exhausted to think of the consequences.
Astarte’s Wrath by Trisha Wolfe
“My title be damned. I’ve loved you for ages. And I’m going to make you mine.” He lowers his lips to mine, caressing them into a passionate kiss as he guides my body toward his bed.
Xarion, Astarte’s Wrath by Trisha Wolfe
The one thing I didn’t really like about the romance was how Xarion and Astarte already had a history before the book began. They were lifelong friends, so their romance came easily. It wasn’t insta-love, it was just so natural and easy to fall into since they already had a well established relationship. But I usually prefer books where the characters meet for the first time when the book begins, because that way I get to experience the entire relationship from the very beginning. If I’m there every step of the way then it’s easier to get really emotionally invested. Although I did enjoy the romance in Astarte’s Wrath, I think I would have connected with it a little more if Xarion and Astarte weren’t already very close when the story began.
The end of this book… ALL THE FEELS! At first I was upset with the way the ending was going View Spoiler » but once we got to the very end, I kind of liked the bittersweetness of it all. View Spoiler » But the end really tugged at my heart and had me near tears… several times!
Astarte’s Wrath definitely has “tragic” written all over it. It’s like real war: people die, people betray each other.. and not everyone gets their happy ending. Despite all the magical elements, it’s painfully real. If you like romance, historical fiction, and/or Egyptian mythology, this is your book!
The Verdict
No, no and no. You had me at magical stuff combined with real history. You had me at Egyptian stuff. You had me at lusty. You lost me at sad ending. I just read one of those in a book and I about died. My eyes were sad for hours. Not even chocolate made me feel better.
I totally adored this book. I personally loved the fact that they were friends that turned into more. *sigh* I died at the end. DIED! It ripped me apart and I was close to tears also. I gasped so loud that I woke up the hubs but whatevs…so worth it. I’m so glad you loved this one too! Xarion is so sexxxxxy! Loved your review <3
MaryAnn | Chapter by Chapter
The delicious romance and the magical elements sucked me in as well even though I don’t usually do HF
I was warned by Trisha (and the summary) that this one would be sad. I knew it as I started reading it. Then I got so lost in the story that I forgot all about it. When that happened I was shocked. I was like oh hell no, that did NOT just happen! Definitely bittersweet…
I loved that they already had a history but the best-friends-turned-romance is one of my favorite storylines. Exited for Phoenix’s story. Have you heard of her new book Of Silver and Beasts?
And you know I have to mention the banner, wow it’s gorgeous. And your symbols rock!
I love egytian stories!!! and.. you know how much I love New Adult so must read it :))