Fictional Candy: Review: King of Prey by Mandy M Roth

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Review: King of Prey by Mandy M Roth

Title: King of Prey
Series: Talons - #1
Author: Mandy M Roth
Published: 2006
Format: Ebook provided by author for review

In a place where realms combine and portals open passages to the unknown, a prophecy speaks of fertility being restored to his people through the taking of King Kabril's mate.

The prophecy neglects to mention she lacks something vital to his kind--wings. Kabril, King of the Buteos Regalis has no interest in taking a human mate. His kind believes humans are dirty, vile creatures who rely on machines to lift them into the air. The last place he wants to go in search of his mate is Earth, but he's left no choice.

Never did he expect to find love on a planet with one moon, people who lack wings and a stubborn vixen who makes his heart soar. When he does, he fears the truth about who and what he truly is will steal it away. Little does he know his enemies fully intend on doing the taking.

I haven’t read too many bird shifter books. This is definitely one to add to your library! The shifters in this book don’t turn into tiny little birds, oh no, they are larger than life huge birds of prey. And Kabril, he is the King.

King Kabril must take a wife in order for the mating magik to begin, and for the people of his kingdom to once again have children. It is his duty. Sachin, his friend and right hand man, tells him that he must woo an earth woman to fulfill the prophecy. This doesn’t sit well with Kabril because humans are generally looked down upon. But as King, his life is not necessarily his own and his kingdom is counting on him. So he goes to earth, where he meets Rayna.

Rayna is an animal photographer, which seems to good to be true. Kabril’s cover story is that he is an avian veterinary. Very clever, Kabril! Right away there is some really great sparks between them, and their scenes together are an absolute joy. But Kabril believes Rayna is not the woman of the prophecy, so he keeps his distance. And Rayna keeps her distance because she’s a bit nervous and likes Sachin and Kabril so much – they become fast friends. But Sachin, he knows more than he is letting on and he is very effectively pulling the strings on this whole scenario.

One thing I can say about Mandy Roth and her writing, she is really fantastic at creating these new worlds for her characters to live in. Not only do you connect with her characters very easily, but their world feels so natural you feel like you are there. Kabril and his people don’t live on Earth, although they are able to travel here at their leisure through portals. Their world is fantastic and full of different types of bird shifters. I’ve read several of her books now and she really has a knack for combining the paranormal/supernatural element with the human elements, and on top of that she can add sci-fi so well that it is all a seamless blend. If you haven’t read her work before, I highly recommend you get started in doing so.

King of Prey does not disappoint on the action aspect either. There are battles and torture, the stuff that really ups the ante on the drama. But there are also skin tingling sensual moments that are definitely not to be missed. Ms. Roth is so good as describing the world around her characters, I could definitely vision some fantastic fan art coming from this. In particular there is a water scene in this story that I think would be gorgeous in a painting!

King of Prey is the first book in the Talons series. There are also two more books out. The second focuses on Sachin, and the third puts its attention on Prince Aeson. I am definitely checking those out in the very near future!