Peeking Between the Pages

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Book Review: Grayrider by Bruce Skye

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Grayrider by Bruce Skye is the first in the Deathsong Chronicles and was really an enjoyable read for me. It’s mythical fantasy with magic and medieval fighting, kings and sorceresses—totally my idea of a good story to completely sweep me up in another world.

We are taken to the land of Boadhagh and there we first meet Gabriel who is actually Grayrider, an exiled king. He’s come to warn King Airell of impending danger from the Ansgarian army. This is the same army that murdered his family and he is full of rage and revenge towards them and their ruler, the evil sorceress Morrigan. King Airell hasn’t enough men to fight though and this is where Grayrider comes in to the picture with his fire snorting horse, Windfire and his green glowing sword, Deathsong.

At this point also we are introduced to Princess Deirdre, King Airell’s daughter. She had left home because she didn’t want to be Queen after her father’s death. Instead she wanted to explore her magical abilities. She was eventually approached by the evil sorceress Morrigan and became and apprentice to her not knowing who this woman really was or how evil. When Deirdre discovers that this powerful sorceress is actually Morrigan she knows she must leave and reach her father to warn him of the attack.

Gabriel and Deirdre join forces to defeat Morrigan. They head up to the Pass to join up with Kalen, leader of Airell’s army. From here the story really takes off and becomes a fast paced trip through the planning of the battles and the actual fighting. Along the way Deirdre is casting spells left and right to affect the weather or to protect soldiers. She saves Gabriel’s life more than once by placing a protective shield around him. All the while, she is gaining confidence in her magical abilities. The story culminates in an plot twisting finale that I wasn’t expecting but thoroughly enjoyed.

What I really liked was the classy and effortless romance that Bruce Skye weaved throughout this novel between Gabriel and Deirdre. It’s so well done that it was a pleasure to read it and more than once it brought a smile to my lips. One such piece that made me smile was this little romantic scene…

  • ‘”Kiss me Gabriel.” If the circumstances had been different, she would have laughed at his shocked expression. Deirdre put her arms around his neck. “Kiss me.” He obeyed. The kiss was tentative and hesitant. “Do it again. Do it as if you mean it. Do it as if you want to be involved with me.” “I do not know if—” “Gabriel, you fear being in love. That does not mean you are not. So confront it and kiss me.” He did so. It was far more passionate this time. He held her tightly to him. She swayed a moment afterward when he released her, the kiss was so intense. “You did well,” she said, breathlessly. “You did very well indeed.” “The fear is lessening. You are right.” “Good. Then kiss me until it goes away completely.” He did and the candle was nearly spent before he left to return the pitcher and mugs to the pub.”

Gabriel is such an honest and endearing man that you can just picture him in the scene above feeling hesitant. He is one of those men in a book that you cheer for because he is honorable and respectful and sweet on top of it all. I was rooting for him and Deirdre all the way. The author completely draws you into this story and this romance. I excitedly turned each page quickly in an effort to find out what was going to happen next and wasn’t disappointed.

I will be anxiously watching for the next installment in the Deathsong Chronicles which will be called Hard-Favour’d Rage and then the third being, A Dragon’s Wrath with a fourth in the works also called Fortune’s Fool. I can’t wait to swept back into this fantastical world.

Many thanks to Bruce Skye for this wonderful fantasy story and to Dorothy Thompson at Pump Up Your Book Promotion for sending me this great book. You can visit Bruce Skye’s website here. Please join me tomorrow when Bruce will stop by with a guest post here at Peeking Between the Pages.


Visit Pump Up Your Book Promotion here.

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  1. I don’t know how you do it, but you are one of the most eclectic readers I know! it sure opens up a lot more books to add to the TBR list, doesn’t it?! 🙂

  5. Many thanks for the wonderful review! I’m most grateful for it. I only hope more readers will give my book a chance–just because a book contains fantasy and swordplay doesn’t mean it can’t be a wonderful story.

  7. This sounds like it would be just my type of book. Adding it to my TBR pile. Blog looks lovely by the way.

  9. Dar, This is not a genre that I typically read, but based on your review I think I could really get into this series. I think I’m ready for something different and this could be it! I loved your review. And by the way, I love, love, LOVE the new look of your blog! Very nice 😉

  10. This sounds like a great read! I’ll add the author to my TBR list because I’m convinced that I have to give this one a try 🙂

  12. Hi Dar! LOVE the new look! You make me want to play with mine again, to see if I can’t make a 3-column work! =)

  13. Great post and excellent review, Dar! I am so thrilled that you enjoyed this as much as I did! Perhaps we can compare notes when the 2nd in the series is released. I agreed with all of your comments and think that Bruce did such a fantastic job on this book!

  15. Would this book be good for a reader who hasn’t really read much fantasy? It looks pretty interesting, but it isn’t a genre I have any experience with, and I am a bit hesitant.

    Btw, this is a great new look for your blog!

  16. This is definitely not something I’d pick up on my own, but your review definitely has me intrigued!! That quote you provided is pretty intense! 🙂

  17. hey dar! haven’t talked to you in a while. i keep waiting to see some pictures of buddy!!! tell him i said hi!
    -love, bandit

  18. I think I’m going to lay off of medieval books for a bit after the Kingmaking. LOL have you changed your blog again…its pink! Nice!

  19. Would you say this is more of a young adult read? Asking because I’m always on the look-out for good books my nieces and nephews would enjoy(fantasy buffs, the lot of them)…

  21. Oh this sounds awesome! And I love the passage you included – it’s cool to see a female character who is very take charge and sure of herself. Thanks for the great review!

  22. Thanks to all who had stopped by and commented on this review. I must apologize for being late with answering comments. I’ve never been this bad so I’ll be fixing that. I hope that more will get a chance to read this book as it really is good.

    Wanda, I think this book would be fine for young adults. There’s nothing in it that’s inappropriate.

    Bruce, thanks so much for stopping by. I really look forward to the next novel in this series.