Thursday, October 11, 2012

Forbidden Forest by Tenaya Jayne (Book Review)









Book Description (amazon.com)

Born in shame. Cast from society. Shape Shifter/Elf hybrid, Forest must fight for any respect she can get. Targeted in her youth by a vampire noble who placed an illegal slave mark on her, she is forced to obey him, no matter what.

Slipping the grip of her master and abandoning the prejudice of Regia, her native world, Forest takes a job on Earth, guarding the portal, using her skills as a warrior to enforce Regia's laws. Now, called home for a black ops mission, Forest must put aside her own prejudice to transport the vampire prince, Syrus, through enemy territory in a time of war.

Prince Syrus, mage and master of the Blood Kata, wants Forest more than he's ever wanted anything. In spite of their mutual mistrust, their attraction cannot be denied. Through the danger of their mission, and the secrets they both keep, it doesn't matter what they feel. Forest is forbidden.


My Review:

  
   Tenaya Jayne created a magnificent and enchanting world in her paranormal romance novel Forbidden Forest. The novel revolves around Forest, a Halfling (half-elf/half-shifter); an outcast of her home world Regia because of her mixed parentage. Forest has been living on Earth working as a traffic controller for the portal between Earth and Regia. Until she is called to Regia for a top security mission; she is to protect a blind vampire prince, Syrus, while they travel to see a wizard that is believed to be able to restore the prince’s sight. There are no other creatures Forest hates more than vampires. Now she must travel, and protect one, without killing him herself. Throughout the journey Forest learns that Syrus is her destined life mate, the one person (creature?) she is to spend the rest of her life with, the only one that can see her true form. But Forest has a secret, a secret that makes her want to run away from Syrus, even though it will cause her pain. Syrus wants nothing more than to be able to see Forest with his own eyes. He has never met anyone else as infuriating as her, at the same time he has never wanted anyone more. Of course there is more but you have to read it! 

     What I love about this novel: I admire the way the main characters fought and overcame their “disadvantages”. Forest has worked to gain respect and rank in a society where people like her are considered basically worthless. Syrus has learned to not allow his sight impairment to cripple him. I think that the morale of the story is that, it doesn’t matter what disadvantage you have, you are strong enough to overcome it. All you have to do is work on it and not lose confidence in yourself, regardless of what people may or may not say.

      I really like that Jayne took time to not only create good characters but their world as well. It is detailed, creative and enchanting. The chemistry between Forest and Syrus is palpable and you can’t help but be pulled into every scene. The bantering and fighting between them gives the novel an interesting and funny twist. Jayne did a great job creating the characters, each character is well defined, each with his/her own qualities and flaws. I loved that Forest is a warrior, unlike most “heroines” who are embarrassingly in need of protection; As well as Syrus, a badass vampire (and insanely gorgeous) with a kind heart. She jumps from character to character giving the reader more insight on the plot, adding more questions; therefore enticing the reader into continuing to read. This I liked because a novel that has you asking questions and wanting answers, is a novel worth reading.


     What I didn't like so much: Like I mentioned, she switches from one character to another. Sometimes the switch is so subtle that you have to backtrack in order to know whose point of view you’re reading from. This doesn't happen often, but it does happen enough to be noticed. Also, although I love Syrus, and found his enthusiasm throughout the novel endearing, it was a little overwhelming at times. I was a little disappointed with the ending, but that’s because I wanted a happier ending. But it’s not an ending at all, so I guess that’s just me being greedy.

      Overall: I really, really, REALLY enjoyed this novel. It is funny, romantic, sexy and a little sadistic (some of the characters eekk) but it all comes together beautifully. I recommend this novel, mainly to adults, 17+ maybe, because it has mature content. This is a “read twice or more” novel. Read it! You’ll fall in love with Forest and Syrus too. 

**Note: I was given this novel in exchange of an honest review.**


4 comments:

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