Sunday, January 12, 2014

Blog Tour: Review: Mistress of the Wind

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

The Tour!


Mistress of the Wind 300Mistress of the Wind
by Michelle Diener
New Adult/Sci-Fi Fantasy
Paperback, 342 pages
Expected publication: December 19th 2013


Bjorn needs to find a very special woman . . . 

The fate of his people, and his own life, depends on it. But when he does find her, she is nothing like he imagined, and may just harbor more secrets than he does himself.

Astrid has never taken well to commands. No matter who issues them . . . 

She's clashed her whole life with her father, and now her lover, the mysterious man who comes to her bedroom in darkness and disappears to guard his mountain by day as a bear, is finding it out the hard way. And when he's taken by his enemies, no one is prepared for Astrid's response. 

It is never wise to anger the mistress of the wind . . . 

A captivating and magical adult retelling of the fairy tale East of the Sun, West of the Moon.


Praise for Mistress of the Wind:
“Diener’s adaptation retains the familiar elements of the original, echoing both the structure and spirit of the classic, but true to form, she puts her own spin both the plot and the narrative, crafting an intricately alluring tale of self-sacrifice, steadfast devotion and enduring love.“ Flashlight Commentary
“The story is fast-paced and never boring, the world a beauty and Michelle’s writing so wonderfully detailed that I felt I was with Bjorn and Astrid on their journey.“ Book Bird Reviews
Author Michelle Diener takes this re-telling to another level. She doesn’t restrict herself to an East of the Sun, West of the moon retelling. Instead we are also given parts reminiscent of Psyche’s quest. Which just allowed for a much more richer story.  Paperback Wonderland
Review
I received Mistress of the Wind in return for an honest review from Netgalley for the book tour hosted by Prism books. Mistress of the Wind is a retelling of the fairy tale east of the Sun, West of the moon. Astrid is the daughter of a poor woodcutter living with her brothers and sisters. She has never gotten along with her father just knowing he’s never liked her. When a talking bear shows up at their door offering to make them rich If Astrid will go with him. Her father jumps at the chance to send her off with the bear. 

Without knowing what to expect Astrid leaves the only home she’s known with the worn out clothes on her back. She rides the bear for days arriving at a mountain that opens into a magical place that gives her anything she asks for. During the day the bear spends his time patrolling his kingdom at night he turns into a man but refuses to let Astrid see what he really looks like but he won’t tell her why she can’t seem him. 

Astrid is stubborn but can’t deny she’s falling for Bjorn as their time progresses she finds herself missing her family. Bjorn takes her home to visit for the day but she realizes she doesn’t want to be anywhere near her father or brother and leaves early with Bjorn. It’s after they return that the wind tells her he’s in trouble and with its help she fly’s though the forest to save him. When they return back to the mountain she uses the candle her mother gave her to help see what she was doing to clean up his wounds. When he sees her looking at him he freaks out realizing that because of the enchantment he will now have to marry the troll princess. After losing the man she loves Astrid sets out for the castle east of the sun, west of the moon to get him back. Along the way she learns the truth about herself. Will she be able to save her prince?

I really like Astrid she doesn’t take anyone crap. She tried really hard not to look at Bjorn if not for his injury she very well could have made it the whole year but fate was not on her side. I love that she’s willing to head off into a strange land to find the man she loves. Besides what’s not to love about an enchanted prince who is a talking bear by day and man by night.

When I saw Mistress of the Wind on NetGalley I jumped at the chance because my favorite fairy tale is East of the Sun, West of the Moon. While the story stays true to the original story, the author has added her own unique twists creating new complex story. I found the book well written it flows along smoothly, it was easy for me to lose all track of time. I think the author did a fantastic job creating a complex story that mixes fantasy with adventure and romance. It was one of those stories you just can’t put down if not for sleep I would have stayed up all night to finish even though I knew how it would play out. The characters are easy to connect with you can’t help rooting for Astrid on her journey. I enjoyed the book it was worth reading and I’m sure I’ll read it again. It’s a little adult but overall it’s a book I can see teens as well as adults falling in love. Look at the beautiful cover how can you not want to read it. I fell in love with the characters and story. A must read!!!!
5 out of 5 Stars


Image of Michelle DienerMichelle Diener writes historical fiction. Her Susanna Horenbout & John Parker series, set in the court of Henry VIII, includes In a Treacherous Court, Keeper of the King's Secrets and In Defense of the Queen.

Michelle's other historical novels include Daughter of the Sky, The Emperor's Conspiracy and Banquet of Lies (loosely connected to The Emperor's Conspiracy).

Michelle's first fantasy novel, Mistress of the Wind, is set for a December 23, 2013, release.

Michelle was born in London, grew up in South Africa and currently lives in Australia with her husband and two children.



International Giveaway:

10 copies of Mistress of the Wind, Kindle or print, winner's choice.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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3 comments:

  1. Well the comments went wacky so I am trying again, lets see if I can be as clever this time ;) I do not know that I would want to live in a fairy tale. I feel life is adventurous enough without having to worry about breaking my glass slipper or my car turning into a pumpkin on the freeway on my way home. Of course I would not mind meeting a big bad wolf occasionally or following a Pied Piper down the road to a good concert LOL Thank you for sharing with us. The cover art is lovely and the story sounds like a fun read, congratulations on the release :)

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  2. I wouldn't really want to live in a fairytale, as I like my life the way it is. If I had to choose, though, I'd be Rapunzel (as portrayed in Tangled). I could use the time alone in my tower to read, write and paint, which would be lovely. Thanks for organising this giveaway.

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  3. I would love to live a fairytale! I've always loved them ever since I was little! If I could chose anyone, I would live in the Nevernever from the Iron Fey series, its also the same one from Shakespeare's play A Midsummer Night's Dream. Its full of amazing creatures, talking cats, kings, queens, and it also has one of my favorite characters Ash and Puck :)
    Thanks so much for organizing this giveaway :)

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