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THE LUTE AND THE LIAR | |
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Genre: Romantic Fantasy Publisher: 1st edition NBI; re-release Awe-Struck Books Audience: Teen to Adult Availability: available electronically now from Awe-Struck Books. Print to follow
soon. Watch this space! | ||
A passionate desire surged through Digan’s breast, until it ached to catch his breath. “I shall become that master, lady! Tell me but how!”
The witch
squinted up at him—one eye squeezed nearly shut, the other a bright black
bead. “I doubt you have the
stomach for it, boy. The hunger,
yes; perhaps the will…but the nerve—ah, that’s another story.”
His honor was at stake now. “Set me your test. I am not afraid! I would learn how to master the magic of the lute.”
Mordigan Bryre is a liar. It is his defining characteristic when
the reader first meets him. He is also an apprentice bard at the doorway to
receiving his journeyman's papers when he is thrown out of his Guild Hall by
circumstances
that have spiraled beyond his control.
Given a challenge by the witch Freitanya to go to the wizard Talthos and ask for
a magical lute which will give him the ability to play brilliantly--his fondest
dream--Digan journeys to the wizard's Azure City to seek his fortune. Digan
hopes that winning the lute will restore him to favor with his master, Cormeyer
Stareyes, the King's bard.
Life is rather complicated by the fact that the Princess Allysian is in love
with him...or at least the idea of him. With his dark hair and green eyes, Digan
turns many heads, but his own heart belongs to the Princess...despite the fact
that he knows he cannot aspire to her hand. Both of them have a great deal of
growing up to do in the course of the quest, and Mordigan learns that love is
worth any sacrifice.
What the reviewers are saying about the new release of The Lute and the Liar:
excerpt:
Anne K. Edwards --
...I'm happy to recommend this tale to any romantic. Talented author Rie Sheridan weaves a story that will keep you reading and you'll be looking for other books by her.
excerpt:
Annie --
Adrienne Rose [sic] delivers a well-researched and intriguing tale of a medieval land in which magic and music rule. Mordigan is a young man with a serious character flaw, presented with a choice in which he must mature, or risk losing all that he values. Will he let his greed overpower him, or will he fall to his character defect of lying naturally and constantly? Read The Lute and the Liar to find out!
Rating: 
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What the reviewers said about the first release of THE LUTE AND THE LIAR:
excerpt:
Steve --
...What the author has given here is a romantic feel-good fantasy novel set in a familiar style of fantasy world obeying all of the fantasy conventions associated with the fairytale.
7 out of 10
excerpt:
Harriet Klausner --
THE LUTE AND THE LIAR is a moving and beautiful
fairy tale for adults. The hero goes from being a vain and cocky liar to an
honorable and trustworthy man willing to do anything to protect the woman he
loves. The princess is a feisty and strong willed young woman determined to get
what she wants and doesn't let anyone stand in her way. Rie Sheridan is a
refreshing new voice in the fantasy genre.
Scribes
World
excerpt:
Lisa Ramaglia --
THE LUTE AND THE LIAR, is every inch a romance,
and one of the best fairy tale romances I’ve read in quite a while. Digan and
Allysian’s feelings for each other, and conflict over status, is first and
foremost in the plot-even more so than the quest for Digan’s precious lute.
Fantasy lovers will want to grab a copy of this wonderful story, and be sure to
share it with your young adult readers. With the sweet aspects and characters
only 15 and 18 years old, they’re sure to enjoy it too.
Romance
Reviews Today
excerpt:
Jani Brooks --
THE LUTE AND THE LIAR is a fascinating tale
reminiscent of Jason's search for the Golden Fleece. Fantastic images of
mystical creatures, characters with the ability to change form, and a lovely
princess who will do anything to be with the one she loves -- this story has it
all. Mordigan matures with each adventure, realizing that lies have no place in
his life and honor is all he has left. Lonely and vulnerable, he still has the
courage to stick by his convictions, even if it means losing his life. A
remarkable heroine, plucky Allysian shows her mettle in her determination to
find and save Digan. Rie Sheridan has a rare talent for creating a new world and
making it believable while still developing realistic characters. All of the
secondary players are essential to the story, but Talthos and Freitanya are the
most influential.
THE LUTE AND THE LIAR is a thoroughly enjoyable, well-written tale that also
sends a message. Don't miss this remarkable novel.
Paranormal
Romance Reviews
excerpt:
Kathy Early --
Rie Sheridan has written a magical tale of
intrigue, love and hope. Digan and Allysian were brought to life in this book,
allowing me to feel a part of her story and experience the hopes, dreams and
conflicts of these wonderful characters as my own. I felt as if I could hear
their souls speak through the pages. The descriptions of Marineaux, Nausa and
Azure City were so well done, I wanted to walk and talk with the occupants. I
hope I’ll get to visit them again in future books by Ms. Sheridan.
eBook Fanfare
This lovable couple will steal your heart and capture your
imagination. Their adventures are so delightful one can only hope author Rie
Sheridan might follow the pair through further adventures.
excerpt:
Meg
Rie Sheridan has
crafted a story that is well told and creative. The Lute and the Liar is a
well-written book...Having never read anything by Ms. Sheridan before, this
reviewer was surprised and pleased with the book’s outcome. She has a
lot of promise and will surely be an author to follow in the future. Ms.
Sheridan crafts a tale that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Her
character development is an integral part of the story...Her talent shows
through in her writing and makes the reading experience enjoyable....
excerpt:
... I'm very
impressed. The Lute and The Liar flows easily. Rie does a fantastic job at
describing... using metaphors and similes with her own magic. A couple times,
I've thought, there's a wee bit too much description, but honestly, considering
how easily the book flows, it's hard to complain.
Guess this should wake me up to the fact that, well, there are friends out there
with remarkable talent. Rie Sheridan is definitely one of them. And I really
need to open myself up to that with other friends as well.