Cover: Astridr: Birth
by Mandy Jackson-Beverly
The author sent me an ARC of this book (mobi format) in exchange for an honest review.
My rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (five stars)
Plot
(by Amazon)
Before the Allegiance came Astridr, whose legend began long before her birth.
When the imprisoned seer Sonja is liberated by thirteen Viking warriors, a storm takes the lives of her rescuers and she’s left dying and alone. The fae prince Hakon hears her cries—as does Freyja, goddess of the underworld, who arrives to negotiate for Sonja’s soul.
In love and sacrifice, Sonja survives to bear a daughter, Astridr—while the bargain between the fae prince and the goddess lays the foundation for an immortal’s legend.
| Genre(s): | Viking Historical Romance Mythology Fairy Tale Fantasy |
| Series: | A Creative Series Novella, The Creative Series |
| Length: | 70 pages |
| Release date: | 2018-08-31 |
Teaser
And then one day a few centuries before the year 1000, the Lady was drawn to a place far from her home where she observed a web of deceit and love unfold. She knew at that instant that her vision from long ago was about to unfurl. She closed her eyes and watched from afar as Hakon strode across the desolate tundra and suddenly froze. He looked around as if searching for something or someone. But the Lady and the Rose had also heard a young woman’s cries for help as a familiar image flashed before her.
My Opinion
This book introduces you to Skuld and Gunwald. Fae king Gunwald saves the norn Skuld – later known as the Lady and the Rose; they fall in love, have a son, fae prince Hakon.
With “Astridr: Birth”, Mandy Jackson-Beverly presents us with a wonderful story of love, fate, myth, hope, and adventure. The story is skilfully elaborated and has a great flow. Mandy Jackson-Beverly introduces each relevant character almost tenderly, providing them with sufficient depth for their respective relevance. I was drawn into the story right away – very close to all of them. I could easily envision the characters and locations. I had a great time reading “Astridr: Birth”. It is a very pleasant read.
A great story by a skilful storyteller.
This is for you if you like fantasy, myth, action, very likeable characters, and excellent storytelling.
This is a book to read again. Recommended.
In brief:
| Cover | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (five stars) |
| Writing | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (five stars) |
| Plot | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (five stars) |
| Characters | ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ (five stars) |
| Mood | Hopeful |
| Pace | Steady |
| POV | Third person – past tense |
| Language |  (decent enough) |
| Violence | 😳 (scattered fight scenes) |
| Sexual content | (decent, some kisses) |
About the author
Mandy Jackson-Beverly was born in the bustling town of Pyramid Hill, Victoria, Australia … Population: 419. This remote childhood kick-started Mandy’s imagination, as did the rugged coastline and rolling hills of Tasmania, where her family relocated when she was four years old.
In 1982, Mandy moved to London, where she discovered the importance of the creative collective: The 1980s fashion scene. A year later, in Los Angeles, she found her own creative freedom among the thriving, no-holds-barred visionaries of the music video world. As a costume designer and stylist Mandy worked for photographer Herb Ritts, and directors Joel and Ethan Coen, David Fincher, and Julien Temple, and music icons David Bowie, Madonna, and Tina Turner, to name a few.
Mandy has taught Advanced Placement Art, written and directed high school theater productions, is a contributor to The Huffington Post and a book reviewer for The New York Journal of Books. She resides in Ojai, California, with her husband, Brian Beverly, a crossed-eyed cat, Luna, a dog named Cash and, sometimes, her sons, Angus and Jack.
Connect with the Author:
Website: http://mandyjacksonbeverly.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MJacksonBeverly
Amazon: Mandy Jackson-Beverly
Buy links: books2read.com/u/3J8MOX
Please take a look at my statement on reading in My train of thoughts on …reading. Now I am asking you. 🙂
My questions for you bibliophiles:
What about you? What did you think about “Astridr: Birth”? Or – if you did not yet read “Astridr: Birth” – are you now interested in reading it yourself?
I am looking forward to reading your comments. 🙂
10 Statements – Mandy Jackson-Beverly
The trailer above is short and sweet, a perfect match for the story. Even if the book in question is already released – I just had to share it with you. Enjoy the music!
My train of thoughts on... 