No matter where you are, facing your reality with passion and purpose will always lead down the path you were intended to go.
While Reece Bryant is making her way through this world on her own, she is suddenly confronted with the truth of her existence, and the reality of her future. It is when she encounters two alluring and mysterious men, that a series of extraordinary events takes place, putting Reece’s life in grave danger. With her life in the balance, Reece must blindly trust the two mysterious strangers; and when she does, she is brought into an enchanting world that is beyond her logical comprehension.
This captivating land reveals new worlds and new dimensions to which her existence is paramount. But it is once she falls in love with the stunning Levi Oxley that everything will change, and Reece’s life will be in more danger than ever before.Forced to return to Earth and face a Council of Worlds, Reece discovers there is more to this enchanting dimension than she could have ever imagined.
At a moment’s notice, even thru the fog of our denial, our journey can become crystal clear. And within the revelation, once our fear subsides, we can find contentment and purpose if we focus on the things that matter most. Trust—Courage—Love
“Jasmeen, please tell me that I won’t walk out there into a room full of people and be the only one dressed like this? I mean, it’s beautiful, but it seems a little too elaborate. Are you absolutely sure this is how I should be dressed?”
“You are dressed entirely appropriately. You will definitely feel more comfortable when the Empress arrives. Here are your shoes,” She bent down to help Reece put on the matching strappy red heels, “Let us return to the sitting room, and I shall get you a refreshing, hot cup of tea while you await the Empress’s arrival.”
While Reece sat gently on the small sofa, sipping her tea with care, and trying not to ruin her dress, she watched a sunset such as she’d never seen. The vivid green colors of the fields changed as the sun slid below the horizon, until the sky was fully dark. They went from shining vividly with the light of the land’s peculiar sun; to glowing brightly and colorfully, with no apparent light to cause it. It was as if the landscape was lit with a black light. It was similar to what she witnessed in the dark forest, yet, with the darkness of night, everything was glowing brighter now. There had to be some light source causing this. Their moon?
She stood up and walked over to the great windows, searching for the source of light that would create such an effect. She found nothing, only an iridescent, purple sky. She glanced down at the gardens she had walked through with Levi earlier, and noticed the many different blooms on the bushes and trees were not their normal vibrant colors anymore. Instead, it seemed as if the trees and bushes had multicolored lights strung throughout. It was a rainbow of different colors—teals, fuchsias, lavenders, and many others—that were shimmering with this unique, illuminating quality. The darker it became, the brighter the colors became. Amazing!
“Miss Bryant, the Empress, Lady Allestaine, is here to meet you.” Jasmeen announced, and quietly made her exit.
Reece turned to find a tall, slender woman standing at the top of the steps. The woman was exquisite in every possible manner. The gown she wore was more elaborate than Reece thought possible, but it paled in comparison to her physical beauty; which alone was put in the shade by the kindness and good humor of her expression. A tiny smile appeared on her perfect lips. This can’t be the Empress; she’s too young to be Levi’s mother. The brunette hair, the slender figure, all seemed to belong to a woman Reece’s age. But the beauty of the face—that was Levi, feminized. And the smile—that, too, was his.
She glided down the steps to where Reece stood. She was taller than Reece, and close-up, had a few wrinkles around her brilliant, chestnut colored eyes. The dress she wore, with the exception of the front bodice and front skirt, was made of a rich, blue-green silken fabric. The front panel and bodice was lined in a dark green, velvet material, with a black and silver embroidered sparkling lace overlay. A shimmering ribbon, fashioned out of thousands of tiny diamonds and emeralds, formed a narrow band, which edged over the top of her bodice, and swept over her upper arms in three individual strands. She wore a sapphire choker, and a tiara of diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires. The lavish jewels made Reece’s jewelry look simple and modest.
“I am delighted to meet you, Miss Bryant. My name is Allestaine, and I believe you have already made my son and husband’s acquaintance. I trust you were well taken care of by Jasmeen? Let us sit, we a have a few moments before we must leave.”
Reece smiled and took her seat next to the beautiful woman. “Thank you, should I call you Lady Allestaine?”
“You may call me whatever you like, Miss Bryant. I am accustomed to ‘Lady Allestaine’ by my closest friends and family; you are welcome refer to me as such, but only if it is comfortable for you.” She smiled.
“Okay, and if you don’t mind, I would be more comfortable with you calling me Reece. ‘Miss Bryant’ isn’t really something I’m used to.”
Allestaine chuckled, “Very well, then. “Now, please tell me, Reece, are you happy with the arrangements I have made for you? Things can be changed, and other rooms are available, if you are not.”
“I couldn’t have dreamed of more fabulous accommodations! And Jasmeen has been very welcoming and helpful, thank you. She seems to be an artist; I feel like one of her creations.”
“Jasmeen has a way of doing that; she is one of the best in the land. I am truly grateful that her work is to your liking. Tell me, Reece; was your journey to Pemdas pleasant? My husband told me of your distress.”
“I am doing better now, thank you. Levi was able to explain more. It is all very difficult for me to try to absorb.”
The lady laughed. “Perfectly understandable. I must apologize for being detained with my duties today; I would rather have been the one to help you with your adjustment. I would not like to envision how the men handled it.” She shivered delicately. “That is why I am here, now. I must have no doubt that you are truly comfortable.”
The woman’s smile was heartwarming, but Reece could not help but feel intimidated in her presence. Never had she felt so beneath another person, so uncertain of her own manners.
“Lady Allestaine, everything is more than I would dream of asking for. I’m beyond grateful for all of your concern, and all you have done.”
“It’s the least I could do. I understand you are aware that you will be staying with us for some time?”
“Well, I’m not sure how long, but yes, I am. The Emperor and Levi both mentioned that, until things are settled, this is where I will have to stay, for my own safety, and the safety of Pemdas.”
“I know they are working on different ways to return you as soon as possible. Until then, we must try to make you as comfortable as may be, living among us. I am aware that the cultures of Pemdas and Earth are different. I am sure you are already starting to gather that yourself?”
Reece laughed as she looked down at herself. “Yes, that will be something I’ll have to get used to—dressing up like this, just to eat dinner.”
Allestaine laughed with her. “I understand the clothing fashions differ greatly here than what you are familiar with on Earth. I did not expect that you would be thrilled to wear a corset or anything of that nature so quickly. I do hope the modifications I made with the seamstress will suit you for now.”
“Yes, I think it will work just fine. I’m a little nervous to eat dinner in a dress so nice, though.”
Allestaine stood, preparing to leave, and Reece followed, “Follow my lead at the table, Reece, and all will be perfectly well.” The lady gave Reece a teasing wink, and then led her from the room.
Review Rating: 3.5 LIGHTNING BOLTS
Review: In an interesting mix of genre, blends, Legacy Of The Key has an intriguing premise and plenty of world building to back it up. The author did a very good job of that, with a vivid picture in my mind of how things are.
At times, the pacing is off. It kind of jumps around. Slow going at times, but when the action does pick up, it REALLY zings! A few times I felt a little lost and had to double check, but for the majority of the time, the book really held my attention and made me want to know more.
Reece and Levi are strong central characters and they go well together. They've got a lot of things to go through in the story, but reading about them proved to be a whirlwind of a ride!
With a little sci/fi, suspense, action, romance, drama, this book has quite a bit to offer! I'm definitely looking forward to more!
Author Bio:
S.L. Morgan was born and raised in California. After 29 years of
living in the Sierra Nevada Mountains there, she and her husband began their journeys of moving throughout the United States. She currently lives in Texas, where she and her husband are raising their three children.
In October of 2011, S.L. Morgan became inspired to write her new
novel series, “Ancient Guardians.” With her passion and love for Jane Austen and other classic romance novels, she was motivated to write a novel series of her
own. The Legacy of the Key is the first book in her novel series, taking readers not only into a new magical dimension—but giving them a feeling that they have been transported back in time—into England’s seventeenth century.
With her second novel in this series nearing its release date
late this summer, S.L. Morgan is currently writing in the third novel of the
Ancient Guardians series, and excited to bring her readers on more adventures
and journeys with these characters.
living in the Sierra Nevada Mountains there, she and her husband began their journeys of moving throughout the United States. She currently lives in Texas, where she and her husband are raising their three children.
In October of 2011, S.L. Morgan became inspired to write her new
novel series, “Ancient Guardians.” With her passion and love for Jane Austen and other classic romance novels, she was motivated to write a novel series of her
own. The Legacy of the Key is the first book in her novel series, taking readers not only into a new magical dimension—but giving them a feeling that they have been transported back in time—into England’s seventeenth century.
With her second novel in this series nearing its release date
late this summer, S.L. Morgan is currently writing in the third novel of the
Ancient Guardians series, and excited to bring her readers on more adventures
and journeys with these characters.
Website/Contact Link: www.slmorganauthor.com
Amazon Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Guardians-Legacy-Guardian-Book/dp/0615736742/ref=la_B00ARXKAL4_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358357978&sr=1-1
Barnes & Noble Buy link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ancient-guardians-s-l-morgan/1114216839?ean=9780615736747
Book Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/AncientGuardiansLegacyOfTheKey
Author Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/slmorganauthor?ref=hl
Twitter: slmorgan1
Book Trailer Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2DdKCL3Bjs (Preview) (Preview)
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