I have a book recommendation for you.
I inhaled this book, so I’m completely biased. You have been warned.
When we went to Houston for a signing, we met a friend for dinner. Mihir surprised us with a bag of books, some of them from him and some from Bastard. Among the books was Miserere: An Autumn Tale.
I was hesitant to read it, because it’s a Nightshade book and they haven’t been treating their authors so well and because the cover, while beautiful, seemed a bit woe is me, everybody dies. But it was there, and I wanted something to read, so one night I opened it. I fully expected to put it down, since, as you probably know by now, I hate everything.
There was a movie in the 80′s called Ladyhawke. MISERERE reads like Ladyhawke had a baby in purgatory and Meljean Brook delivered it. This is the exact point where the book got me:
For this callous bitch, he had sacrificed Rachael, only to remain locked in battle against his twin until there was nothing left inside him but ice and apathy. His heart lay quiet now, cold as sorrow, dry as hate. Lucian turned and walked away from her.
“Where are you going?”
He heard her chair scrape the floor as she stood. He jerked the door open. The maid he had passed earlier fled down the corridor.
“Lucian? Answer me!”
Cerberus spoke in the background. Lucian neither heard nor cared what the demon directed. He slammed the heavy dining room door hard enough to shake the frame.
She was still calling his name as he grabbed his mantle from the hook in the foyer. He emerged into a day as gray as his mood. Another of her guards attempted to impede his way. Lucian shoved past him and reached the wide avenue before the soldier recovered himself. A note of panic edged his twin’s voice as she called after him. Lucian didn’t stop. If she wanted to make him pay later then let her; he would lie down and take it because he had purchased his pain.
And the price had been dear.
Isn’t that elegant? I read that “he has purchased his pain” and moved my pillows around because I was in for a long evening. Before we go any further, there is a love story and an HEA (Happily Ever After), in case you were worried. I finished with a smile on my face.
Here is how the worldbuilding goes: there are four worlds and they kind of sit next to each other like beads on a rosary. On one end is Heaven. Then Earth, then Woerld, then Hell. Hell is full of nasty demons who would love to conquer Heaven, but to do that, they first have to get to it. That’s where Woerld comes in: it’s a place where warriors fortify and try to hold back the demons. The Woerld has many fortresses, one for each major religion on Earth. Once in a while children with special abilities get pulled from Earth into Woerld, where they are raised to fight the demons. Some are knights, some are healers, others are exorcists and so on. Woerld and Earth are linked: when the demons destroyed Zoroastrian Fortress, the religion died out on Earth.
Lucian was one these chosen children. He and his sister Catarina were pulled into Woerld to become warriors. Lucian became a knight and an exorcist. His sister made a pact with demons. There is one in every family.
To save his sister’s life, Lucian had been forced to sacrifice everything, including Rachael, another knight whom he loves. As a result of his actions, Lucian was exiled and forbidden from using his powers. He and his sister travelled to a city of Hadra, where Catarina promptly took over and set about fulfilling her demonic pact and Lucian became her prisoner. As the narrative puts it, “His twin sat in the center of her intrigues like a great dark spider, spinning her web of deceit and growing her army.” Years passed.
In the beginning of the book Lucian is broken. At heart, he is a carebear with superawesome powers: he can open gates to hell, he can exorcise demons, he can chop people into very small pieces with his sword, but he is also very kind and compassionate. He was put into an impossible situation and had to pick his sister or Rachael and he realized very quickly he had made the wrong choice. He loves Rachael, heartbreakingly and completely, but he had abandoned her, and so subconsciously Lucian had decided that he had to be punished. All of that kindness and love turned into self-loathing. He is a former shadow of his former self: lame, dejected, humiliated on every turn by his sister. He is trapped. There is no light at the end of the tunnel. Suddenly an opportunity presents itself and he takes it and escapes.
He can barely believe it, but just as he takes his first gulp of fresh air, a child is pulled into the Woerld. The demons are after her and now Lucian must make a choice: to use his magic to save the child, announcing his location to everyone or to run away. Given that Lucian is a carebear, we know exactly what he does. :)
Near the Citadel, Rachael is struggling. When Lucian abandoned her, she had become possessed by a demon. The Wyrm, as they call it, gnaws on her trying to gain control of her soul. All exorcisms have failed. Rachael is a Judge, a lethal knight. On a battlefield, she’s frightening. But she’s been fighting the Wyrm for years and the demon is winning. Then the Citadel sends for her: Lucian had left the city and used his magic. Now she has to find him and drag him back to Citadel for judgement.
This book is about demons, sword fighting, magic, but also about Lucian’s journey from being a wreck to becoming once again a knight. People got beat up. Scary things happened. Dark magics were unleashed. Modern things like cellphones were used in unexpected ways. HEA happened. I loved it. It was like dark chocolate.
There were some minor issues. The child sounds a touch too adult, for example. Also, I wanted hot nookie and didn’t get it, but I understand why. One doesn’t just forgive years of abandonment and jump in the sack. But overall, it is my precious. I finished it and immediately went on Twitter to tell Meljean about it. I’ve emailed Teresa about it and she is not sure if we’re going to get a sequel or not.
I want the sequel. ::shakes fist:
So here is Teresa’s website, where there is a link to the excerpt of the first four chapters. If you have some free time today, head on over there and check it out. :)
Oh. That sounds fun. O.O
Shiloh Walker recently posted..Swag giveaway!
You would love it. The language was delicious.
The excerpt has me sold simply because of the language. Really lovely! Thanks for telling us about it.
Miss Bliss recently posted..Doubt and Encouragement
Ohhhh. I LOVED Lady Hawk. Thanks for the rec. *running to bookstore*
Wasn’t that the most beautiful movie? All angsty love all over the place! I still enjoy watching it.
Teresa Frohock recently posted..lessons learned & the third book
Just be sure to walk on the left side.
The worldbuilding sounds awesome; I’ll have to check out the excerpt when I get home. Thanks for the recommendation!
A book that has not gotten the love it deserves.
Aww, Paul, thanks.
Teresa Frohock recently posted..lessons learned & the third book
Thanks for the recommendation. Sounds great.
Ooh sounds delicious. I want you to write reviews for my stuff
Chantal Halpin recently posted..Self Publishing Update
I loved Miserere, was actually writing my review for it to see if I could have it ready by end of the week. Glad to see the good word spreading because Teresa is a great writer and deserves more acknowledgement than she’s had so far.
She’s also working (or maybe has finished) a novel called The Garden which also looks to be great.
Bastard recently posted..Interview with authors of Fading Light: An Anthology of the Monstrous edited by Tim Marquitz (and a Giveaway)
Thanks, Bastard, you’re just awesome.
Teresa Frohock recently posted..lessons learned & the third book
This is officially my favorite review ever … I adored Lady Hawk. I’ve got chills … thank you, Ilona!!
Teresa Frohock recently posted..lessons learned & the third book
::makes scary voice:: Sequel…. sequel… wriiiiiite it… wriiiiite it…
*claps hands* Oooo, goody, because then we do get to do the steamy scenes in book 2!!
Teresa Frohock recently posted..lessons learned & the third book
Now, let’s not get carried away with the steamy scenes.
Bastard recently posted..Interview with authors of Fading Light: An Anthology of the Monstrous edited by Tim Marquitz (and a Giveaway)
You hush up! I want knight smooches.
He wants it, you know he does. He just doesn’t want US to know that he does …
Teresa Frohock recently posted..lessons learned & the third book
Lol smooches are fine if the story demands it plus you all should know B just loves reading steamy passages
Hahaha, we knew it!
Teresa Frohock recently posted..lessons learned & the third book
Sounds intriguing. Guess since you didn’t get the steamy stuff it will have to go into Kate 6 which will be to our benefit so it’s a win-win.
Thanks for the rec! If I’d known you guys would take books from other authors, I would have given you mine at the Houston signing. It was great meeting you both and Chloe Neill, btw.
Ha, Next time I’m bringing you a bag of books too. Muhahahha, just kidding. I want you two writing, not reading. I am so selfish.
The books sounds great , thanks for the heads up.
Hi Ilona
Glad to hear you liked this one so much,both B and me are particularly enamoured by the prose and magic system. I hope to hear your & Gordon’s thoughts on the remaining books well
Uh-oh, I’d better get busy! Thanks, Mihir!
Teresa Frohock recently posted..lessons learned & the third book
Busy is good, busy hopefully means more goodies to read
Sounds complicated, but I just got into Elizabeth Vaughan’s Warprize books this weekend based on your goodreads rec, and discovered Joanne Bourne and Meredith Duran through you, so I’ll read it. Some authors, trying to be supportive, I think, sometimes recommend other authors before they’ve hit their stride, and I’ve gotten burned on writer recs before, but never with yours. I appreciate your critical attitude as a reader.
(Also sent Quarter Share to my nephews Kindle, and mean to get to that sometime myself.)
I loved the Warprize books. Such good stories.. made me cry
Colleen recently posted..August so far…
Sold.
Angie recently posted..Fair Game by Patricia Briggs
haha me too
Ditto!
Me too!
me too, bought it last night on Amazon!
such a pretty cover too….
Followed the link. Read the sample. Will run, not walk, to purchase copy ( I have to have something to tide me over while you guys write).
I love Lady Hawke. One of my favorite movies growing up and I still love it. I cry EVERY. TIME.
I’m sold on the book. Gonna buy it now. Hopefully it will help pass the time until Kate 6.
Btw, Ilona and Gordon, I just got a new kitty and I named her Kate Daniels. Now Vlad has a sister (I really wanted to name my cat Curran, he reminds me of him, but Curran is a name that DOES NOT work in Portuguese. So, Vlad Tepes he became. I think Jeaniene Frost would approve). Vlad is gray with streaks of black, he’s so Curran in my mind. Now I have a Kate and a kind of Curran around. I’m a happy camper. My dogs (Shih Tzus) are names Eric Northman and Mina Harker. There’s a theme to my pets, if you can’t tell.
Here is MY Kate Daniels. Isn’t she cute?
https://p.twimg.com/A0cQhfACMAAZKZ1.jpg
Omigosh! KD is a cutie, but that cat bed is to die for!! I want! I also enjoyed the pic of Vlad, so fiercely taking on the big wolf (Shih Tzu). Thanks for sharing the pics.
(And, Of course, now I’m curious about what Portuguese word “Curran” sounds like. )
Oh what a cute kitty! And the kitty bed and the kitty! :waves arms::
Thanks, she is cute indeed. My KD is awesome.
Susan, Curran pronounced in Portuguese is just weird and nobody would pronounce it right besides me, so I gave up on the name, sadly. Kate is also not common, but the pronunciation is easier. She was almost Buffy, but I needed a pet names after my favorite series, so Kate she became. Though choice between my favorite book series and my favorite TV Show.
Aaah, the Kitty bed is awesome! May I ask which brand it is and where it is from?
Kate is super-cute too
And here is Eric, Mina and Vlad:
https://p.twimg.com/AwQ4i_iCAAQtgzB.jpg
Thanks for the recommendation; it’s on the list. But I have a silly question… what does HEA stand for?
Happily ever after
What Emily said.
Doh! of course…. thank you!
No problem, took me a min, too!
Thanks for a book recommendation, always looking for new good reads! Love when authors also post a few chapters to read first before we buy, will for sure check this one out!
Good news, Miserere was the first of a three book series. Dollarosa is the next and a fourth book has been planned. But what do I know ~ looking for steamy myself in book two.
You are my sweetheart.
Teresa Frohock recently posted..Ilona Andrews reviews Miserere
thanks for the recommendation, and yes Lady Hawke was what got my attention. Rutger Hauer was only in 2 decent movies and that was the better one
Indeed. I also loved him in Blade Runner.
Teresa Frohock recently posted..Ilona Andrews reviews Miserere
Oh come on, I thought he was great in Buffy! Lol
Wow that sounds amazing. I went over to Teresa’s site and am now hooked. Running to purchase and crossing fingers for sequel
You had me at Ladyhawke!
I’ll have to pick this up as soon as I finish my re-read of Jessica Andersen’s current Nightkeeper books.
It sounds really good and I’m a sucker for a good looking cover! We don’t have it in system at the library I work at so i’m going to take a leap of faith and purchase it for my Nook.
This is great of you to do this, Ilona, both for your fans and to give exposure to other authors. I’ve enjoyed your past recommendations, so I automatically downloaded this without a second thought. I’m in the middle of a series right now, but am looking forward to starting it. Thank you!
You convinced me. Downloaded it. Does that make me easy?
You feeling better?
Diana Pharaoh Francis recently posted..Today and Tomorrow
Yup, I’m hooked, especially with the Heaven and Hell theme. Thanks for recommendation. Since you “hate everything” when you really like a book I know it’ll be excellent. Off to get a copy…
Thanks for the recomendation. I just bought it on Kindle
Thanks for recommending Miserere: An Autumn Tale. Since today is my B-day I bought it as a present for myself and just finished reading. I did not want to put it down and there has to be a sequel! I want to know what or if something happens after, and the repercussions, of his accidental blood drips….I what to know how L does and what she becomes. I need to know if he uses his opportunity wisely…. The author did a great job of connect the reader to the lives of the characters.
Happy [belated] Birthday, Juel! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. Comments like yours just make my day.
I will sure have to buy this one. It sounds great. Nice review!
Albertine Rose recently posted..Kim Kardashian Impressive Physique
Bought the book after reading this post….It was great! I stayed up and read this instead of watching the Nationals vs Braves extra long ballgame!! Thanks so much for the recommendation!!
Holy cow, that is an honor!
Thanks so much Kristine!
Teresa Frohock recently posted..Debut Authorpalooza Winners, Part Two
No problem! Cannot wait for more!!
I just finished Miserere and I loved it. I gave it 5 stars on goodreads. Teresa did good!
Oh, thanks for the rec, Ilona!
Oh, thank YOU, VampAngel! Either I must write faster or you must read slower … reeeaaaadddd slloooowwwerrr …
Teresa Frohock recently posted..Debut Authorpalooza Winners, Part Two
WRIIIIIIIIIIITE. FAAAAAAAAASTER!
Got’cha … (and thanks, much!)
*goes off to write*
Teresa Frohock recently posted..Debut Authorpalooza Winners, Part Two
Getting this book! thanks so much!
Just finished, okay book, but ilona promise me you ‘ll never write Curran as such a wimp Let’s face it, Lucian is a woose who could never sustain a trilogy on his own. I mean really, 16 years held hostage like a child by his sister while his HEA is suffering and now they are both golden oldies. If you ever did that to Kate and Curran let me tell you, total end of fan base. That author will never achieve your sucess until she learns to write true alpha heroes.
Thanks for the recommendation! I enjoyed reading Miserere. I enjoyed how she made religion (no matter which form–yay for coexisting!) something that was actually important and meaningful.
I agree with Kokokatze. I just finished the book and enjoyed it very much. I’m looking forward to see how this series unfolds….
Thanks for sharing this book. Truth be told, I’ve not seen this one before. But I like the sounds of it. And the world created. Thanks!
Melissa (My World…in words and pages) recently posted..Blog Book Chat: Final Stop, Shadows Before the Sun
Hmm, this may be too dark for me, but I loved Ladyhawke, and knowing this ends on an “up” note, maybe I’ll try it from the library. (If I love it, THEN it goes on my “Shopping List”, for rereading!)