Book Reviews (The Morning Star by Robin Bridges)

The Morning Star by Robin Bridges Today I am excited to be a part of Random House’s tour for Morning Star book three in Robyn Bridges’, Katerina series. Set against historical Russia, this is a paranormal tale that kept me on edge with a kick-ass necromancer. Grab a cup of coffee, and settle in for my review. Ooh and be sure to enter to win a copy of your own! The Morning Star The Morning Star by Robin Bridges Series: Katerina #3 Publisher: Random House Publication date: August 27, 2013 Genre: Paranormal Source: Publisher Review: Gathering Storm|Unfailing Light St. Petersburg, Russia, 1890- Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, wants to be known as a doctor, not a necromancer. But Tsar Alexander III forbids women to attend medical school; his interest in Katerina extends only to her ability to raise the dead. Twice now, Katerina has helped him by using her power to thwart the forces of darkness—vampires bent on resurrecting the lich tsar Konstantin Pavlovich so that he can take what he sees as his rightful place on the throne. Katerina thought she had bound Konstantin to the Greylands, the realm of the dead, but he has found a way out. Now he is searching for the Morning Star, a sword that will allow him to command a legion of supernatural warriors. Katerina must find the sword before Konstantin does—and she must travel to Egypt to do so. Along the way, she puts up with unwanted attention from her former fiancé, the nefarious Prince Danilo, and struggles with her feelings for her true love, George Alexandrovich. But with the looming threat from Konstantin, Katerina’s focus remains on the sword. Russia’s fate will be determined by whoever wields the Morning Star—and delivers the final blow. I am not Russian, nor have I ever traveled to Russia, but I absolutely love books with Russian settings. The Katerina Trilogy set in St. Petersburg, Russia, in the year 1890 was impressive and I enjoyed the journey. The Morning Star is the third and finally book in this non-stop action tale centered around, Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, a necromancer who longs to be a doctor in a world of men. Bridges delivered a tale, froth with danger, and weaved in a sweet romance. Three word review: captivating, suspenseful, and heartwarming. Tsar Alexander III, has forbidden Katerina to attend medical school, he wants his necromancer near, since she has twice thwarted the forces of darkness led by the evil Lich tsar Konstantin Pavlovich. Katrina bound him to the Greylands but he is back and searching for the Morning Star; a sword forged in heaven that will lead an army of undead. The quest to find the sword first has Katrina in danger and traveling to Egypt. Russia’s fate lies in her hands and the tale that unfolds kept me turning the pages. I adore Katerina and who wouldn’t? She is bright, eager to learn and despite fear is undeniably brave. She is a diamond of the first water. Determined to pursue her medical training, she learns behind the tsar’s back and I admired her determination. Despite being a necromancer, and having to go to battle, she values all life..good and evil making her the ultimate heroine. George Alexandrovich is her true love, and despite his illness he is ready to lay down his life for her and his country. The romance is sweet and filled with gooey goodness. I loved how they interacted and put the other first in all things. Katerina can cast you to the Greylands, but blushes like a school girl and I found it refreshing. Prince Danilo, who shares a blood bond with Katerina, is back and he causes all kinds of problems for Katerina. While I don’t particularly love the blood drinker, Bridges ended up endearing him to my heart. Other characters and creatures aid the tale, as we travel in search of the sword and battle the darkness. Bridges world-building amazes me, from her interpretation of the Greylands to her use of Egyptian customs. Her cast of supernatural creatures includes Fae, vampires, werewolves, Grigori and a Bogatyr. Despite all the confusing names, I slipped right back into this tale and was once again exploring Russia. There are balls, exotic foods, and tarot cards wrapped in and around this suspenseful tale. As the pace ebbed and flowed with danger, action, and touches of romance. The tale was captivating as the evil Lich Tsar moved to control the Grigori and take control of Russia in his pursuit to take the throne. Talisman, spells and magic accompanied us as we traveled to Grey and ancient Egyptian sites holding me spellbound. The ending, was, oh my! It was brilliant, and I didn’t see it coming but it rang true and left me feeling all warm and fuzzy. If you love mystery, suspense, and paranormal woo-woo, Morning Star, will draw you in with its battle of Light and Dark. I am sad to see this series come to an end but eager to see what Bridges brings us next.

The Morning Star by Robin Bridges

Today I am excited to be a part of Random House’s tour for Morning Star book three in Robyn Bridges’, Katerina series. Set against historical Russia, this is a paranormal tale that kept me on edge with a kick-ass necromancer. Grab a cup of coffee, and settle in for my review. Ooh and be sure to enter to win a copy of your own!

The Morning Star
by Robin Bridges
Series: Katerina #3
Publisher: Random House
Publication date: August 27, 2013
Genre: Paranormal
Source: Publisher
Review: Gathering Storm|Unfailing Light

St. Petersburg, Russia, 1890- Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, wants to be known as a doctor, not a necromancer. But Tsar Alexander III forbids women to attend medical school; his interest in Katerina extends only to her ability to raise the dead. Twice now, Katerina has helped him by using her power to thwart the forces of darkness—vampires bent on resurrecting the lich tsar Konstantin Pavlovich so that he can take what he sees as his rightful place on the throne. Katerina thought she had bound Konstantin to the Greylands, the realm of the dead, but he has found a way out. Now he is searching for the Morning Star, a sword that will allow him to command a legion of supernatural warriors. Katerina must find the sword before Konstantin does—and she must travel to Egypt to do so. Along the way, she puts up with unwanted attention from her former fiancé, the nefarious Prince Danilo, and struggles with her feelings for her true love, George Alexandrovich. But with the looming threat from Konstantin, Katerina’s focus remains on the sword. Russia’s fate will be determined by whoever wields the Morning Star—and delivers the final blow.

I am not Russian, nor have I ever traveled to Russia, but I absolutely love books with Russian settings.  The Katerina Trilogy set in St. Petersburg, Russia, in the year 1890 was impressive and I enjoyed the journey. The Morning Star is the third and finally book in this non-stop action tale centered around, Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, a necromancer who longs to be a doctor in a world of men. Bridges delivered a tale, froth with danger, and weaved in a sweet romance. Three word review: captivating, suspenseful, and heartwarming.

Tsar Alexander III, has forbidden Katerina to attend medical school, he wants his necromancer near, since she has twice thwarted the forces of darkness led by the evil Lich tsar Konstantin Pavlovich. Katrina bound him to the Greylands but he is back and searching for the Morning Star; a sword forged in heaven that will lead an army of undead. The quest to find the sword first has Katrina in danger and traveling to Egypt. Russia’s fate lies in her hands and the tale that unfolds kept me turning the pages.

I adore Katerina and who wouldn’t? She is bright, eager to learn and despite fear is undeniably brave. She is a diamond of the first water. Determined to pursue her medical training, she learns behind the tsar’s back and I admired her determination. Despite being a necromancer, and having to go to battle, she values all life..good and evil making her the ultimate heroine. George Alexandrovich is her true love, and despite his illness he is ready to lay down his life for her and his country. The romance is sweet and filled with gooey goodness. I loved how they interacted and put the other first in all things. Katerina can cast you to the Greylands, but blushes like a school girl and I found it  refreshing. Prince Danilo, who shares a blood bond with Katerina, is back and he causes all kinds of problems for Katerina. While I don’t particularly love the blood drinker, Bridges ended up endearing him to my heart. Other characters and creatures aid the tale, as we travel in search of the sword and battle the darkness.

Bridges world-building amazes me, from her interpretation of the Greylands to her use of Egyptian customs. Her cast of supernatural creatures includes Fae, vampires, werewolves, Grigori and a Bogatyr. Despite all the confusing names, I slipped right back into this tale and was once again exploring Russia. There are balls, exotic foods, and tarot cards wrapped in and around this suspenseful tale. As the pace ebbed and flowed with danger, action, and touches of romance. The tale was captivating as the evil Lich Tsar moved to control the Grigori and take control of Russia in his pursuit to take the throne. Talisman, spells and magic accompanied us as we traveled to Grey and ancient Egyptian sites holding me spellbound. The ending, was, oh my! It was brilliant, and I didn’t see it coming but it rang true and left me feeling all warm and fuzzy.

If you love mystery, suspense, and paranormal woo-woo, Morning Star, will draw you in with its battle of Light and Dark. I am sad to see this series come to an end but eager to see what Bridges brings us next.