You Are Mine by Janeal Falor. Published by author, sold by Amazon digital services. CDN $3.04.
Serena knows a few simple things. She will always be owned by a warlock. She will never have freedom. She will always do what her warlock wishes, regardless of how inane, frivolous, or cruel it is. And if she doesn’t follow the rules, she will be tarnished. Spelled to be bald, inked, and barren for the rest of her life—worth less than the shadow she casts.
Then her ownership is won by a barbarian from another country. With the uncertainty that comes from belonging to a new warlock, Serena questions if being tarnished is really worse than being owned by a barbarian, and tempts fate by breaking the rules. When he looks the other way instead of punishing her, she discovers a new world. The more she ventures into the forbidden, the more she learns of love and a freedom just out of reach. Serena longs for both. But in a society where women are only ever property, hoping for more could be deadly. (Goodreads Excerpt)
I was given a free e-copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. Let me start off by saying that I absolutely loved the book. It was very different and inventive and a refreshing change to what I was expecting. I used to read a lot of historical romance and this book reminded me of that, however when you throw in all the magical elements it was much more intriguing and enjoyable.
I loved the word building created in that practically everything was run by magic, electricity, heating, cooling, reading a person’s blood for magic. Everything was infused with magic. If it wasn’t for the fact that women are treated like dirt I wouldn’t mind living there for a while. The only flaw was that we have no idea what time period this is or where it is located. It didn’t affect the story so I won’t say too much on it.
I loved the main character Serena. She was the type of kick ass heroine that wanted so badly to emerge from her oppression. She pushes the limits and does whatever she can to protect the ones she loves. I truly hope that there is a sequel and she discovers that she has power and learns to break out of her shell and overthrows the male regime (This would take a few books but I know she has it in her.) You can feel her inner power and spirit that is just aching to get out. I was rooting for Serena the whole time.
I really enjoyed the romantic aspect of this story as well. There was no “oh my god I love this man that owns me” kind of stuff you often see. The relationship was building and the feelings were growing on both sides. It made sense and was real and I really wanted them to find a way to be together on their terms. I hope this is what the author is leading up to.
I must say that this was truly a joy to read and I would love to have a ‘spelled dress’ like the one Serena wears to the ball.
5 stars for me.
Cynthia Stacey 