Astarte's Wrath by Trisha Wolfe (Kythan Guardians #1)

Genres: New Adult, Historical Fiction, Paranormal/Mythology, Romance
Smut-O-Meter: 5 out of 10
My Rating: 4 out of 5

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A tragic love story.

Two thousand years before Dez Harkly developed her secret powers, Guardian Astarte was vowed to protect by the binds enslaving her to the Egyptian pharaohs. Discover the prophecy that originated from a very different time, and spans generations to link two very different girls.

This is the beginning.

Set against the backdrop of the Battle of Actium, in the city of Alexandria, Star struggles with her guardian duties as her feelings for the newly named pharaoh of Egypt grow deeper. Not only is Caesarion her duty, he’s the son of Cleopatra, and he’s human. All of which makes their love forbidden.

But when a conspiracy linked to Caesar creeps into Alexandria, Star must choose between helping her fellow Kythan free themselves of their servitude, and protecting her charge—the last pharaoh—while Egypt burns around her.

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This book did a great job of introducing the history in Destiny's Fire, and even setting up for the future of the series. But it is still its own amazing story. The two novels dont depend upon each other and you can read one or the other on its own. But I would definitely recommend reading them both because they are amazing. I still slightly prefer Destiny's Fire because it is more my speed. I prefer the fun, fast-pace and the feel of YA romance. Also, Reese is more my type of guy. Astarte's Wrath was darker and felt more like a New Adult. I thought the characters were older and it wasnt until I was finished the book that I looked up how old Caesarion was during the events of the book, and he was 17. Something about the characters and the story made them seem older. I knew they were young, but I was thinking more like 19. Despite their young age and the mild sexual content, I am still listing this as NA.

"Hearing him refer to me as his intended opens my heart like the sea opens to the sky, and I am his."

I have always loved history, and when I was younger I was fascinated by Egypt. I never studied it because I was just a kid, but I had Egypt themed bed sheets and little Egyptian figurines and posters. So I really, really enjoyed the setting and I really appreciate all the work Trisha Wolfe put into making this accurate. It really felt authentic and it made it so much easier to just disappear into the story. And the added fantasy elements just made it all the more amazing. I loved the world of the Kythan from Destiny's Fire, and I am even more familiar with it now and its just awesome. Although I feel like I should reread Destiny's Fire because it seems I dont remember it as well as I thought I did.

"Xarion's chest heaves. His bloodied face looks more beautiful than I've ever seen it."

The writing is top-notch and totally captivating, and the story has everything. So much intense action and violence, magic and mythology, romance and heartbreak, and great characters. Star was totally kick-ass! Caesarion was strong and sweet, and Phoenix was funny and loyal. I loved them all! Although I prefer Reese over Caesarion, I think I prefer Star over Dez.

And the ending was sort of perfect. I can think of ways I would have preferred for it to end, but the ending managed to evoke just the right combination of emotions for it to shake me without leaving me broken. I cried twice, but it was still sort ofan HEA. You will just have to read it for yourself to find out. You wont regret it. And I cannot say enough things about how gorgeous the cover is. I absolutely love it! I don't know if the girl is a model or a drawing, but she is freaking gorgeous! Her hair is perfect and shiny, and her lips and her eyes, and the interesting necklace, balanced with the Egyptian background. Love it!

"You're home," he says, his voice stirring all my love. 

"You're my home." 

Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe (Kythan Guardians #2)

Genres: Young Adult, Sci-fi, Fantasy/Mythology, Steampunk, Romance
My Rating: 4 out of 5

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It's the year 2040, and sixteen-year-old Dez Harkly is one of the last of her kind-part of a nearly extinct race of shape-shifters descended from guardians to the Egyptian pharaohs. Her home and her secret are threatened when the Council lowers the barrier, allowing the enemy race to enter the Shythe haven.As the Narcolym airships approach, Dez and her friends rebel against their Council and secretly train for battle. Not only is Dez wary of war and her growing affection for her best friend Jace, she fears the change her birthday will bring. When Dez's newfound power rockets out of control, it's a Narcolym who could change her fate...if she can trust him.Dez's guarded world crumbles when she discovers why the Narcos have really come to Haven Falls, and she's forced to choose between the race who raised her and the enemy she's feared her whole life.

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I really loved this book! The premise was amazing, and the idea of the Kythan and their abilities and their world. And I love private school stories, even though that aspect of the story didn't last long, I enjoyed it. Destiny was an awesome heroine, I really loved her. There were times when I questioned some of her decisions, but she must have been very confused and scared, so I can forgive her, especially since things turned out well in the end.

I love Reese. He was so awesome. Even though Jace was swooning all over Destiny from the beginning, as soon as Reese made an appearance I knew he was the one. And he just got better with each appearance. I couldn't get enough! For those who have read Evernight, Jace reminded me of Balthazar from that series. But Reese is like no other. There were instant sparks! Like when you cant stand someone but are still attracted to them. Sexual tension. But once Dez realized she could trust him things went quickly. She opened up to him instantly and trusted him with everything. They had a lot in common and they could understand each other like no one else. He clearly cared about her so much. And they could not stop kissing!

But there was a time early on when Dez said something that put worry in Reese's eyes. Dez saw it and asked him about it. I could tell he was lying. He was always open and honest with her and she could see that she could trust him and so could we. But I never forgot that one moment and I didn't like it. Reese was so wonderful, I couldn't handle it if it turned out to be too good to be true. For the rest of the book I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop. They ended up having their highs and lows, and during the lows I was so sad and anxious. But the highs made me forget the lows all together. And it had such a great ending that it was all worth it! It was great overall, with the perfect mood and a lot of action and suspense. I highly recommend this book, especially to fans of Half-Blood. I cant wait for the next book in the series!

“You shouldn't come out to play until you have the power to party like a big girl.”