Brian Mendonca

In the real world, all religions tap into the moral instinct that restrains human violence; despite a few known cases where human lives were "sacrificed" daily in desperate reactions to crises, real religions generally frown on the destruction of human life by fellow humans. In this novel, we're asked to believe that humans would accept a religion that demands that young people who survive forced duels in "Loyalty Circles" then spend time on "Breeding Farms" where they're forced to produce enough overpopulation to keep feeding their god human blood in the large quantity he demands.

If you can suspend disbelief in that basic premise--which I could not--this is a clear, concise story. Prince Thane, already living happily ever after with the young scholar Cereene whom he refused to kill in a Loyalty Circle (book 1?), is ordered to marry the neighboring Princess Lydia, sacrifice her to his god, and then sacrifice himself. The magic of the kingdom of Throatia depends on it. Thane cooperates up to a point, and then he meets someone who starts him asking questions. Many fictional lives are lost along the way.

I didn't like it. But many people do.… (more)

This fast paced fantasy centers on a down on his luck merchant who just happens to be at the right place at the right time. Kaine Khalia is out of a job and foraging for mushrooms when he happens to rescue a damsel in distress from a terrible beast. The damsel turns out to be the princess who was trying to run away from an arranged marriage, but upon being almost killed, has come to her senses and agrees to go home. Kaine escorts Princess Lydia back to the castle and has the gratitude of the King who immediately gives him a job. Kaine is excited for some stability and three square meals a day, but the wedding festivities for Princess Lydia are in high gear have the whole kingdom in a tizzy. There may be more to the wedding then meets the eye and Kaine learns the deadly secret the princess is hiding. Will he be able to keep her and the kingdom safe? Is he the right man for the job? This fantasy is great for adults, teens, and even middle grade readers. It's not too long, and isn't too graphic when it comes to violence, language, or romance. The book ends on a cliffhanger that will have readers eager to check out the next book in the series. So much fun!… (more)

Breeding farms. Loyalty circles. Blood Sacrifices. The Sorceress. The Red Knight.

The Throatians Mayan like in their religion, which I find fascinating. It rules their lives with an iron fist. Brutal. Savage.

I feel there is something going on behind the scens, something other than their blood thirsty god.

The Throatian king wants the Tears of Asura, magical stones.

Gravity of Obedience had so much intrigue. I love when an author surprises me, taking me to a place I didn’t see coming, leaving me wanting more…and there is more to come, because the story isn’t done. I can hardly wait. Please write faster Brian. 🙂

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Gravity of Obedience by Brian A Mendonca.

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A forest. A monster. A princess. And a new opportunity for Kaine.

The princess of the Dorian Kingdom is scheduled to marry the Throatian prince, thus creating a alliance between the two kingdoms. Safety in number, seeing royalty thrives on war and chaos.

Kaine is from the Leila Kingdom and Princess Lydia is the Rose of the Dorian Kingdom.

Her marriage allows Lydia an Everlasting With. When Kaine finds out what she wants and wants to stop the wedding, but she convinces him it’s the only way.

A quick read that packs a punch and I am so happy that I have Book II, Gravity of Obedience, waiting on my the top of my reading pile. Wedding of the Torn does not end in a cliffhanger. It wraps up the story of Kaine and Lydia, but what is to come of their world is still up for debate.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Wedding of the Torn Rose by Brian A Mendonca.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com… (more)