KNIGHT AWAKENED

Book Name: Knight Awakened

Author: Coreene Callahan

Website: http://www.coreenecallahan.com/

Main Characters: Xavian and Afina

Category: M/F

Series: The Circle of Seven

Release Date: 12/04/12

Available at: Amazon  Barnes & Noble  BAM! 



In AD 1331, warlord Vladimir Barbu seizes control of Transylvania. But in spite of his bloody triumph, his claim to the throne remains out of reach. The king of Hungary opposes his rule, the Transylvanian people despise his brutal ways, and the high priestess needed to crown him has vanished without a trace. But Barbu hasn’t come this far only to be thwarted by a woman. He unleashes his best hunters to track her down and bring her to him — dead or alive. For Xavian Ramir, killing is the only life he has ever known. Torn from his family when he was a child, he was trained from an early age to be an elite assassin. But now he longs for something more, vowing to start anew after one last job. The bounty on his target’s head is enough to set him up for good — if he can resist the long-dead conscience that stirs to life when he meets his beautiful mark. Afina Lazar never wanted to become high priestess, but the brutal murders of her beloved mother and sister leave her no choice. Now she is running for her life, desperate to protect the magical amulet entrusted to her care. But when Barbu’s assassin comes for her, she realizes her only chance of stopping the warlord’s rise to power is to convince this enigmatic — and handsome — hunter that she is more valuable alive than dead. Dramatic and fast-paced, Knight Awakened is a stirring love story between two people searching for a second chance in a magical world of assassins, warlords, unearthly beasts, and nonstop adventure.

Shonna's review:  Xavian,... alpha, lethal, fierce, leader, assassin. Yet, pushed in the corner of his heart, surrounded by stone are hurt, broken, and needing. Truly believing that he is undeserving, these emotions never dare to breach the walls of their confinement. Now possessing freedom, he strives to find a better way through life and without meaning to, takes the beginning steps for what is now a growing number of willing followers under his wing.
Hiding and on the run, Afina cherishes her daughter, while protecting the magical amulet with powers she doesn’t understand. While her past has always been full of self doubt and apprehension, the future today forces her true enter strengths to take the lead. Developing the strong woman inside flows with grace as she surrenders to the man that dares to be the key that unfolds the powers as a Priestess, and the love in her heart.
Knights Awakened is an amazing introduction to a new series that now has an off and running start. This historical romance jumps its boundaries to add paranormal, and fantasy to the mix with the end product being a fantastic read. The world-building around the 14th century settings are crystal clear with details in your minds eye. The characters are richly developed and alive on the pages. Hot and sizzling, the magical action packed chapters are swamped with everything you could want in a great read, and a delight to indulge in. I thoroughly enjoyed this work of Corenne Callahan’s, just as I have enjoyed her previous books in THE DRAGONFURY SERIES.
My rating: 5