Wednesday, August 17, 2016

The Azure Kingdom By Michelle Dare



The Azure Kingdom

By: Michelle Dare

I sought out Michelle myself, because I had been following her on facebook, and reading about her books, and I found them all enticing. I also ‘love’ her name. And so, I went to her on my own, and offered up my services, and she was ready for the ‘dare’ if you will. I allowed her to choose which book we would review, giving her the benefit of exposure. 

So let’s learn about the “The Azure Kingdom” shall we?

Alison Wescot’s mother died, and left her an antique store. This didn’t impress Alison much, to her these were just lame antiques, and all she had left of her mother. She fidgeted around, looking at the items, and sulking. A customer  came upon a box with a key inside, and a letter from her mother. Alison was puzzled, because she could’ve sworn she knew every inch of this store.

The letter from her mother explains of another realm, and the fact that her father never did leave her. Ali is baffled as she reads this, it is just so much to take in. This other world, the death of her mother, and now learning her father never left her. She is the daughter of Rafe Pine? The thoughts were just racing through Alison’s head. And the realm could be found in her mother’s closet. This seemed so unreal, like a dream, or even a fantasy. 

Later that day, Alison races up the steps in her home, two at a time, to see if this even remotely real. And she learns the fake wall, is in fact real. She isn’t sure if she wants to, or even should do this. But we all know, eventually she will.

And the day Alison finally walks through the door, and enters “The Azure Kingdom” is the day her recurring dreams turn into a reality. 

She meets Lucas Azure, the kingdoms elite guard and whose only purpose is to protect his people and their territory. Lucas is the youngest of the King’s four children, and of course- the deadliest. He knew once Alison appeared, he had to protect her at all costs. And he knew, one day, she would arrive.

This book, was everything I wanted it to be, and more. Which Michelle promised me, it would fascinate me, and satisfy my every need. It did just that, and more. “The Azure Kingdom” is a whole new style of read for me, and a definite five star read. I loved how the realms came into play, it was very unique, and would make for a great movie! I could so visualize this perfectly, and loved reading it, that I am certain I will be rereading it again, that is just how much I enjoyed it!

My Questions for Michelle:
1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you?
I've always wanted to write a fantasy book and am so glad I took the leap and did it. The book took me three weeks to write.

2. Who designed the beautiful cover?
Jennifer from J.M Rising Horse Creations - https://www.facebook.com/RisingHorseCreations

3. Do you have photos or descriptions of your characters?
I modeled my characters after the couple on the cover. The cover was actually designed before I had started writing the story. Only the blurb was done. The couple was perfect for Luke and Ali.

4. Does the key look different then most keys, meaning is it fancy and beautiful or just a plain key? And was her Mothers letter written in the most beautiful cursive imaginable?

The key is gorgeous. Beautiful and ancient. Gold with tiny leaves on the teeth and a crown surround by swirls on the top. Not your average skeleton key. For me, the letter was something her mother wrote out when she found out she was sick. Very neat, clear cursive.

5. What are you working on now?
I have a new adult romance standalone that's in the editing phase which will release in September. I'm also starting book two in this fantasy series. The Azure Kingdom was originally a standalone, but I've decided to keep it going. Book two will be Oliver's story.

6. What all education have you had?
I'm a high school graduate, but never went to college.

7. What are your hobbies?
I don't have a lot of down time, but when I do, I love to spend time with my family, read, and watch movies.

8. What drives you to write?
The characters. They talk to me all the time, demanding their story be told. And when I write, I get lost in the world I'm creating. I love that I can make a story, characters, a town, everything up from scratch. It's amazing.

9. What is your favorite book of all time?
That's way too hard to choose. There are so many amazing books out there and I read all different genres.

10. Please provide for us your social media and book links:
Newsletter Sign-Up: http://eepurl.com/bt14zX

Newsletter Sign-Up: http://eepurl.com/bt14zX

Snagged from facebook!

11. Anything to add:
Thank you so much for reading and reviewing The Azure Kingdom! I really appreciate it!




The Azure Kingdom (The Iridescent Realm, #1)The Azure Kingdom by Michelle Dare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I sought out Michelle myself, because I had been following her on facebook, and reading about her books, and I found them all enticing. I also ‘love’ her name. And so, I went to her on my own, and offered up my services, and she was ready for the ‘dare’ if you will. I allowed her to choose which book we would review, giving her the benefit of exposure.

So let’s learn about the “The Azure Kingdom” shall we?

Alison Wescot’s mother died, and left her an antique store. This didn’t impress Alison much, to her these were just lame antiques, and all she had left of her mother. She fidgeted around, looking at the items, and sulking. A customer came upon a box with a key inside, and a letter from her mother. Alison was puzzled, because she could’ve sworn she knew every inch of this store.

The letter from her mother explains of another realm, and the fact that her father never did leave her. Ali is baffled as she reads this, it is just so much to take in. This other world, the death of her mother, and now learning her father never left her. She is the daughter of Rafe Pine? The thoughts were just racing through Alison’s head. And the realm could be found in her mother’s closet. This seemed so unreal, like a dream, or even a fantasy.

Later that day, Alison races up the steps in her home, two at a time, to see if this even remotely real. And she learns the fake wall, is in fact real. She isn’t sure if she wants to, or even should do this. But we all know, eventually she will.

And the day Alison finally walks through the door, and enters “The Azure Kingdom” is the day her recurring dreams turn into a reality.

She meets Lucas Azure, the kingdoms elite guard and whose only purpose is to protect his people and their territory. Lucas is the youngest of the King’s four children, and of course- the deadliest. He knew once Alison appeared, he had to protect her at all costs. And he knew, one day, she would arrive.

This book, was everything I wanted it to be, and more. Which Michelle promised me, it would fascinate me, and satisfy my every need. It did just that, and more. “The Azure Kingdom” is a whole new style of read for me, and a definite five star read. I loved how the realms came into play, it was very unique, and would make for a great movie! I could so visualize this perfectly, and loved reading it, that I am certain I will be rereading it again, that is just how much I enjoyed it!



View all my reviews