Monday, May 12, 2014

{ARC Book Review & $100 Giveaway} Goddess Born by Kari Edgren

Title: Goddess Born
Author: Kari Edgren
Publisher: Carina Press (An ebook first imprint of Harlequin)
Publication Date: May 19, 2014


Blurb:

Pennsylvania, 1730

Selah Kilbrid keeps a dangerous secret: she has the power to heal.

A direct descendent of the Celtic goddess Brigid, it's Selah's sacred duty to help those in need. But as the last of the Goddess Born living in the New World, she learned from an early age to keep her supernatural abilities hidden. The Quaker community of Hopewell has always been welcoming, but there's no doubt they would see her hanged if her gift was revealed.

When a prominent minister threatens to try her with witchcraft unless she becomes his wife, Selah has only one hope--that her betrothed, a distant cousin from Ireland, arrives as planned. Marrying Samuel would keep her secret safe, preserve her sacred bloodline, and protect her from being charged as a witch.

But when news of Samuel's death reaches the Colonies, Selah is truly on her own. Terrified, she faces an impossible choice--forfeit her powers and marry the loathsome Nathan? Or find an imposter to pose as her husband and preserve her birthright?



*Though this book is NA, it is clean and can be read by any age reader.

This review makes me happy! I'd stopped taking review requests, but when the opportunity came giving me the opportunity to review Goddess Born, I jumped on it. As one of the only NA fantasy books I've read, I'm enthralled. Plus, there is the concept of Brigid, a Celtic goddess, and we all know how much I enjoy this type of mythology. And how long has it been since I've given any book 5 Stars... um, a long freaking time.

Selah's story takes place in 1730, when any woman who appeared a bit odd was considered a witch. Selah happens to be different, in many ways. Her refusal to marry one man sets off a chain of events, risking not only her reputation, but her life as well. Once her father dies, there's little to protect Selah from the rumors she is a witch, especially when her husband-to-be dies at sea. Luckily, this young woman is quick on her feet and stumbles upon a plan that may save her life.

Ms. Edgren serves a delicious helping of fantasy intermingled with a helping of endearing romance. The characters leap off the pages, becoming three dimensional people you'll either love or despise. Selah is a caring girl who is devoted to her community. Her gift in healing has earned her many loyal friends who will stand by her no matter what adversity she faces.

Nathan is a nasty, jealous man who's been fed lies enabling him the ability to blackmail Miss Kilbrid. His interest in the beautiful young lady becomes dangerous when she doesn't return his affections. The list of people who could be passing Nathan Selah's secrets appears to be small, yet becomes greater with every flip of the page.

And then there's Henry, who I loved with all my heart. He plays his part well, protecting a young woman he's known for only a few days. I don't want to discuss him too much because he's the heart of this story, even when you're not certain whether you like him or not. His character provides plenty of warm, fuzzy feelings as well as a bit of drama from time to time.

The twists and turns in Goddess Born are delightful. I never knew who to suspect and was adequately shocked when the true culprit is revealed. Ms. Edgren blended all the intricacies of suspense with those of fantasy and romance. The writing is flawless and creative, evolving into a perfect novel.

Author Kari Edgren has been kind enough to provide us with an amazing giveaway. $100 in the form of a giftcard to Amazon or Barnes & Noble, or $100 added to your PayPal account. 


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14 comments:

  1. I have always liked Athena. Thanks.

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  2. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!!!

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  3. My favorite is Zeus. Thank you!

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  4. This looks and sounds awesome! Congrats to Kari on the new release! Ummm... I've always liked Athena :)

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  5. Hmm, I don't know that I have a favorite. Really, I'm trying to pick one and I just can't. I actually like reading about the Greek or Roman gods and goddesses as a group. This book sounds great! And I love that it's a clean NA, which is so nice for a change.

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  6. I don't know my greek gods very well. I'll say Zeus. I like his sense of justice. Thanks for the awesome giveaway! Kim M

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  7. Hi Kristin,
    When I was in elementary, I used to like Aphrodite, because she's the goddess of love and beauty and of course because she's pretty and she has a nice dress and all.... but as I mature and learned that she's not really nice (hehe), I realized that I don't like her anymore. I don't have much knowledge on mythology and there are only few gods and goddesses that I am familiar with, but I've been curious about Psyche and Cupid for a while. I don't know who my real favorite is yet, but maybe I'll figure it out one day :)

    Thanks for the awesome giveaway. It's been a while since I entered one. I hope to win but I see that Kim and Jenny are here too... so goodluck to us!

    love, april :)

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  8. I love all the greek gods! but I prefer Athena, cause she was the first I met! :)

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  9. I do adore Aphrodite. She seems quite mischievous.

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  10. That would have to be Aphrodite!!! What a glorious goddess she was!

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  12. Interestingly, Brigid is one of my favorites. I always make candles on Imbolc, and I love dairy cows :)

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  13. Hades from the Goddess Test series, but otherwise Poseidon and Athena

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  14. Wow... Um... So hard to pick just one honestly! I guess as contradicting as it is, I find it hard to pick between Aphrodite and Athena :) However, I guess it would also depend if you go by traditional or retellings because twists on the original change everything <3

    Thank you for the chance to win!

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