Review and Giveaway - Bloodmaiden by Christine E. Schulze

This is an engaging “other world” romance and adventure with dragons, unique races and a differnt plot.

Bloodmaiden by Christine E. Schulze

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Old Line Publishing, LLC (May 12, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0984476881
• ISBN-13: 978-0984476886

Author's Website

Rating 4:0 of 5.0

Product Description
Zale. Gauthier. Varden. These three dynasties... They all sound like something out of an ancient, oriental myth or fairy tale. The concept of humans and dragons helping and living in harmony with one another, without fear. To me, that's exactly what they are. A distant dream only read of, whispered secretly, quietly yearned for. For, you see, I am the new Quelda of Tynan. These words echo the mystery, horror, and romance found within Schulze's fantasy novel. Along with her new husband, Chalom, Crislin must choose to embrace cruel tradition, run from it, or stand against it. The young couple's only hope is to rally the help of the three peaceful dragon dynasties of Sulaimon-but tradition is not on their side, even outside the realm of Tynan. The dragons outside Tynan's borders have been rumored as too stubborn and proud to believe their Tynanian brothers would commit such horrors as inflicted upon the Quelda. Gaining their aid is not a likely hope. Yet, any hope at all is valued in Tynan... If they are to stand a chance of bringing cruel tradition to a permanent end, Crisilin and Chalom must brave the constant, consuming blizzards of the Ever-white. They must brave the three dynasties and the challenges awaiting there. Together, they must convince the dragon emperors to allow them access to the shrines which house the sacred Aria - protective strands of music which may be able to disperse the evil from Tynan and unite the four dynasties of Sulaimon as a whole once again. Their only aid stems from a sprite whose moods are as unstable as her magic, a young minstrel, and a mysterious fox. Despite the odds, such plans are daring, dangerous, unprecedented, but fully possible - if they can escape the Wall first.

Review:
The author has done a great job of creating a world of beauty, magical creatures and meanness too.  The world of Sulaimon has four kingdoms ruled by dragons. Years ago the dragons made a special pact to protect the humans and placed musical Aria’s as guards of the fragile balance between the species. Unfortunately, in Tynan the dragons no longer protect the people but instead they require a blood sacrifice. Young (teenage) Crisilin has been chosen as the new Quelda who must mate a man selected for her, preform special tasks designated by the dragons and ultimately sacrifice herself and her new husband.  Crisilin is lucky that her chosen mate turns out to be her best friend, Chalom. Now there is even more at risk for them as they will lose their lives and their love if they don't try to stop the sacrifice rituals.

Rather than submit to the tradition of tyranny, they manage to escape their captivity. Then, with unexpected help from unusual sources, they move forward on their quest to change the order in their own country.  They must collect the three Aria and a friend from each of the other regions who is willing to join their mission. Only when they bring the other three Aria back to Tynan, will they have a chance to change the Tynan dragons.

The dragon clans they meet in the other regions have their own quirks. Some are friendlier than others but they each include stubborn and spiteful representatives who present a different challenge to overcome to get to that region’s Aria.  I especially liked the riddling clan and tried to figure out each riddle.  I also enjoyed the sense of awe and beauty created with the description of haunting music upon collecting each Aria. The friends Crisilin and Chalom gather along the way are also magical and unique. The secondary relationships of their friends are fun to follow, especially a surprising and bittersweet reunion of an estranged family who has been separated due to the tragedy of the Quelda sacrifice.

The writing manages to convey a sense of innocence turned into sad knowledge of pain and terror. The world and challenges are interesting. The romance and friendships are sweet. There are some moments of tension when it is not clear how they will resolve the next problem. Overall there is an atmosphere of magic making this an easy and enjoyable fantasy read suitable for all ages.

xxx

Thank you to the author and Old Line Publishing for this book to read and review.

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY FOR THE BOOK:
1. Comment on the review or tell me your favorite fantasy creature.
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You may want to check out the trailer for Ms. Schulze's November release Tears of a Vampire Prince - The First Krystine. There is a chance to win that book there!

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* This contest is open Worldwide.
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* This contest will close 10:00 PM (Central) on September 3, 2010. The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.