Rhapsodic

The Bargainer, Book One

by Laura Thalassa

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"Callypso Lillis is a siren with a very big problem, one that stretches up her arm and far into her past. For the last seven years she’s been collecting a bracelet of black beads up her wrist, magical IOUs for favors she’s received. Only death or repayment will fulfill the obligations. Only then will the beads disappear.

Everyone knows that if you need a favor, you go to the Bargainer to make it happen. He’s a man who can get you anything you want... at a price. And everyone knows that sooner or later he always collects.

But for one of his clients, he’s never asked for repayment. Not until now. When Callie finds the fae king of the night in her room, a grin on his lips and a twinkle in his eye, she knows things are about to change. At first it’s just a chaste kiss—a single bead’s worth—and a promise for more.

For the Bargainer, it’s more than just a matter of rekindling an old romance. Something is happening in the Otherworld. Fae warriors are going missing one by one. Only the women are returned, each in a glass casket, a child clutched to their breast. And then there are the whispers among the slaves, whispers of an evil that’s been awoken.

If the Bargainer has any hope to save his people, he’ll need the help of the siren he spurned long ago. Only, his foe has a taste for exotic creatures, and Callie just happens to be one."

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So after I finished The Queen of All That Dies, and was confused about the characters and storyline, and certain aspects of the writing style - I had to read one this again. I've read it before, several years ago - and honestly didn't remember much other than that I liked it alot. It works out, since it's on the Project list anyways.

Having re-read it, I'm a bit astonished - and actually quite impressed - that the two books are by the same author, because the style is SO different. While Rhapsodic is a really good book, and I'm looking forward to getting started with the next in the series - it reads a lot more like a generic paranormal romance novel (this might change in future books, I have no idea - she's starting to set up the whole fairy "otherworld" which seems like it might expand and become really epic - at least I hope so). The Queen of All That Dies, however, was epic-scaled from the start. And though I do have a few issues with that book, I think that overall, it impressed me more.

Though I'm not sure if that's because it's such an... uncommon? unusual?... genre for me. I don't read a lot of dystopian stories, but when I do come across one that's really handling the subject in a "realistic" and well-written way, I really like them.

Hmmm... I'm rambling. Honestly, I'm not sure - and will probably never be when it comes to that one.

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This one (Rhapsodic), I'm much more sure about: I really do like it. A lot. I think the main characters are great, and I like their relationship and the dialogue. I also really like that they have that history, and you get those flashbacks - which, for me at least, is really uncommon.

Maybe I read too much trashy romance with simple storylines. I think I may be in a bit of a romance-ditch at the moment. Desperately trying to claw my way up to try something new. (I say that, but I'm also parallel-reading 365 Days at the moment, LOL).

You'll see. I own very few books that aren't romance-focused, to be honest, though the sub-genres may vary. And we're going to go through them all with this project. Better settle in.

So this is an in-between, I would say. Full on romance, but with an interesting plot and fascinating back-story. I actually find the male character, Des (aka The Bargainer) to be really interesting. The whole concept of his character reminds me of another of my faves: Lothaire from the Immortals After Dark series (don't worry - we'll get there ;) ).

The villain of this book is also fantastic! We haven't even met him yet, but he creeps me the fuck out. And those kids! *Shudders*. If you know, you know. I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing where we're going with that plotline.

Also really hope they'll keep to (at least for the most part) the Otherworld and Des' kingdom. Hoping to see a lot of development there, it could be soo well done. No pressure, Thalassa, hehe.

I don't think I have much else to say about this ATM.

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⭐⭐⭐⭐

🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

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