The Sword

Very interesting alternative to the romantic fantasy genre. Here you have four sets of fraternal twins...all male...all with magical abilities, in this alternative universe. The men are cast out of their society to live in solitude on an island due to the prophesy of a seer that claims that if the first of the eight brothers was to fall in love, then it would mean the destruction of all the kingdom. Well, thanks to the meddling youngest brother, that is exactly what happens when he brings a woman from Earth into their world to save her life and practically, no, actually throw her at his eldest brother. Saber, the eldest and the Sword, has no intention of falling in love with Kelly from Earth and decided to make it his businesses to make sure neither does any of his other seven brothers. But it's hard to not fall for the fiery red-head who can make him and his brother's "eat dirt." Usually I become annoyed with the "I'm just as good or better than a man" stereotyped woman, but it's hard to not like the character of Kelly. I'm not even sure what it is about this character, because I REALLY CANNOT STAND women with inferiority complexes (yes, I am a woman-I just so happen to appreciate the qualities of both women AND men). Overall, I'm anxious to read the next in the series and would definitely recommend this one.

Kelly Doley is rescued from her burning house and is whisked away to another universe by the young mage Morgannen. When she awakens she finds herself alone with eight powerful and exiled mage brothers on a lonely island. From the beginning her relationship with Saber, the oldest brother is more like one between cats and dogs. They fight every moment, but soon the sparks between them change into something completely different. Unfortunately Saber is cursed that the woman he loves will bring him disaster. Will Kelly find a way to persuade him that it is worth it to love someone? THE SWORD is one of the best romantic fantasy novels that this reviewer has ever read. The eight brothers are truly magical, because they will completely bewitch you and once you have started with this book you won't be able to put it down. Ms. Johnson created a set of characters that is absolutely fascinating. Each of the brothers has his own magical talent and is completely different in character. You will fall in love them all. They are very strong characters, typical Alphas, but Kelly will show them that she isn't a meek woman who says yes and amen to everything. Especially Saber as well as his younger brother Dominor has to live with her ire. THE SWORD is a real keeper and this reviewer highly recommends keeping your eyes open for the other books by this talented author. This novel is a must read for readers who love to get drawn into a wonderful fantasy tale. Courtesy of Loveromances and More

I am not normally a romance fan. That being said, I was thrilled (and more than a touch envious) when I was told Jean had gotten published. More envy followed once I read The Sword. Jean has a terrific grasp of suspense and romance, with a good touch of humor to keep things interesting. The interactions between the 8 brothers, with the occasional attendant brotherly squabbles, made the story flow that much more pleasantly. Kelly Doyle, wrongly accused of witchcraft, woke up in her burning bed. She passed out from pain, and likely, smoke inhalation, to find herself in a realm she did not know, in the company of a bunch of hunky men, whom she could not, at first understand. Even though she was healed of her wounds, it was still a frightening experience, even if she was being chased around by a VERY handsome man, the sword of the title, Saber of Corvis (in exile) now Saber of Nightfall. Saber, for his part, was under the pressure of the fear of the Curse of the Sons of Destiny, which predicted a disaster would befall his world should he EVER fall in love. And now he was confronted with a terrified woman who was very much to his liking. The complications of their attraction to one another, as well as their own headstrong and prickly temperaments kept everything interesting. Their courtship is definitely love/hate for a good portion of the story. About the only problem I had was that it took me a while to get caught up as to which brother was which, but then again, considering this is the starting volume of a series, some exposition has to be expected. I am definitely looking forward to the rest of this series!

I rarely read books in this venue as I usually find them too fantastic, unbelievable or just plain silly. However, this book was infinitely readable. The characters were charming; I really wanted them to win. The plot caught my attention immediately and did not lag. The fantasy was clever -- not overdone and so far from reality as to become trite. I plan to own the rest of the books in this series just as soon as they are available. I will be reading these books again and again.

If you don't like a strong female lead character, this may not be the book for you, as the first reviewer points out. But if you do like women who usually know what they want and how to get it in life...then this one is a keeper. I mean, here's this woman, Kelly, an independent, well-educated, self-sufficient (or at least trying to be) soul living as best she can in our universe. She's got problems with her neighbors--to the point where they try to burn down her home with her still in it, in fact--but she's doing her best to deal with that. Then she gets kidnapped into a whole new universe--admittedly to save her life--where she's the only woman around for miles. Stranded in a houseful of men whom haven't had female companionship for years. Literally. Wouldn't you do your best as a single, sole female in a house filled with men to seize control of the situation before it gets any further out of hand? And then there's this man, Saber. He's the head of his family by birth-order and a sense of responsibility drummed into him by his parents, but he's not the most powerful of his brothers. Worse, in his universe--where magic is real and Curses are real--if he's allowed to fall in love with a woman, it could bring a Disaster crashing down upon his people's empire! Being exiled to an island without any women for companionship is bad, but not as bad as a Disaster...so when his youngest brothers dumps not only a woman on the island, but a weird outworlder from some other universe, and then demands that he, Saber, watch over her...well, you'd be a little grumpy and stressed-out about it, too, wouldn't you? If the safety and fate of your homeland was literally threatened by the possibility of you having a happy love-life? That's a lot of responsibility for one man to be burdened with, if you ask me. Finding out how these two reconcile their strong personalities and understandable personal fears was quite enjoyable. (And inventive!) The fact that there are more books on the way is something I very much look forward to seeing. In fact, this particular author has held a few contests, allowing people to get their hands on advanced copies of her novels, and I was lucky enough to get to read an advance version of "The Wolf", the next story in the Sons of Destiny series. Not to give anything away in that one, but if Kelly and Saber still sound too vigorous in their attitudes for you, perhaps you will enjoy the tale of Wolfer and Alys? Each of the eight brothers is different; that much is apparent in the very first book. But what I find equally delightful is that the author has made each of the ladies in these novels different as well. Alys is shy where Kelly is bold, and quiet where Kelly is loud. She's capable of great bravery, as is Kelly, but these two heroines are as different as their twin heroes. Alys is her own unique self, a character who can appeal to anyone who has suffered in their home life the way she has...and that's all I can