Review: The Sea King by C.L. Wilson

The Sea King by C.L. Wilson

Book Two of the Weathermages of Mystral series

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: October 31, 2017

Rating: 4 stars

Source: eARC from Edelweiss

Summary (from Goodreads):

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Winter King comes a breathtaking new tale of love and adventure set in the mystical land of Mystral...

He wasn't supposed to choose her...

Seafaring prince Dilys Merimydion has been invited to court the three magical princesses of Summerlea. To eradicate the pirates threatening Calberna and to secure the power of the Sea Throne, Dilys vows to return home with a fierce warrior-queen as his bride. But politics has nothing to do with unexpected temptation.

She didn't dare wed him...

A weathermage like her sisters, Gabriella Coruscate's gentleness exemplifies the qualities of her season name, Summer. Yet her quiet poise conceals dangerous powers she cannot begin to wield. Better to live without excitement, she reasons, than risk her heart and lose control— until an irresistible Sealord jolts her awake with a thunderclap of raw desire.

Until evil threatens everything they hold dear...

When pirates kidnap Summer and her sisters, Dilys is in a desperate quest to save the woman he loves. Only by combining his command of the seas with the unleashed fury of Summer's formidable gifts can they defeat their brutal enemies and claim the most priceless victory of all: true love. 

What I Liked:

It is no secret that over three years ago, I fell in love with The Winter King and have been eagerly awaiting The Sea King ever since. Dilys Merimydion was one of my favorite secondary characters of The Winter King, even if he only appeared at the climax of the book. He played a very important role in the survival of Wynter and Khamsin, and that is how he ended up in Konumarr, courting the Seasons (sisters of Khamsin). Even though I still loved The Winter King more, The Sea King was well worth the wait. 

Princess Summer Coruscate has always been regarded as the timid Season of Summerlea, whose weathergifts are not so powerful. But the truth is, she has spent her entire lifetime suppressing her power, because it is too powerful. To protect everyone she loves, she makes sure that she always appears calm and serene... and significantly less powerful than her sisters. But this seems to change when Dilys Merimydion, notorious Sealord and Prince of Calberna, comes to Konumarr to court the seasons and hopefully take one back to Calberna as his bride. He is powerful, potently male, and enticing, and he doesn't seem to drawn to Autumn and Spring like he is to Summer. It is hard not to fall in love with him. Summer doesn't want to marry anyone, but she knows in her heart that Dilys is a good man. When disaster strikes and leaves everyone in an uproar, Dilys and Summer's growing bond will be tested as they fight for their lives, and for each other.

I knew I would love Dilys, given how much I adored him in The Winter King, but I don't think I was prepared for how much I would love him. He is wickedly charming and enticing, with alpha male qualities that are attractive and not overbearing. He is sweet and considerate, and like all Calbernans, he is solely interested in the happiness and satisfaction of his future mate. Calbernans treasure their women (Calberna is of a queendom, not a kingdom), and Dilys is no exception. He is a notorious captain, Sealord, hunter, victor, prince, leader, and he is appealing in so many ways. Dilys is confident yet humble, charming yet sweet, persistent yet considerate. He is easily a favorite romance hero of mine. He is imperfectly perfect, just the way I like it.

Summer is so different from Khamsin. She isn't outwardly temperamental and fierce. Rather, she likes to appear calm and timid and a little docile. She is gentle and sweet, but truly, the power that lies within her is untamed and wild. She is so afraid of losing control, so she tries to appear meek and unassuming. Summer doesn't embrace her power at first, and she definitely doesn't see her self-worth. But with Dilys chipping away at her defenses and treating her like a queen, she begins to accept her power, and accept him. Summer is so reluctant to get to know him, and then to marry him, but she has her reasons. It was wonderful to see her stand up and embrace who she was, and this was in no small part due to Dilys Merimydion.

The romance is very slow-burn. In The Winter King, the romance is elemental and powerful and full of chemistry. The romance between Dilys and Gabriella (Summer) is chemistry-filled and powerful too, but it takes some time before Dilys and Gabriella actually do anything (mostly because Gabriella tries to avoid Dilys at all costs - he awakens something in her that she is afraid of, but begins to accept and love). Dilys falls for Gabriella, and while Gabriella tries to deny her feelings, she falls for him too. It's such a slow-burn romance with a lot of suppressed lust (at least on Gabriella's part).

To me, The Winter King was steamier, but this book was very hot as well. There was probably less sexy times because of Gabriella's skittishness, but the scenes that were present were pretty hot. Their dynamic was on fire, with the clashes of intense power surrounding them. Both of them are extremely powerful and stubborn, so it makes for good chemistry.

Like the previous book, this one is a long one, for an adult romance novel. A lot happens in this book, besides Dilys trying to court the sisters, and then turning his efforts solely to Summer. I was so glad to see that the other two sisters were never interested in Dilys as more than a friend (though they definitely ogled him more than a friend might). I kept hoping that there would be no love triangle or cattiness between the sisters or anything like that. Spring and Autumn knew that Summer was avoiding Dilys purposefully, and they figured out pretty quickly that it wasn't because Summer didn't want him. I loved how supportive the sisters were of one another. I love that the whole courting-the-three-Seasons thing wasn't a big issue, and he stopped courting all three of them fairly early on.

At least half of the book is spent in Konumarr, with Dilys trying to woo Gabriella. The lady definitely doth protest too much - quite frankly, her numerous rejections of him made me sad. But it also made me smile because Dilys was so persistent and yet respectful of Gabriella's boundaries. That is how you woo a hesitant lady! Gabriella had her reasons, but Dilys wasn't giving up.

I love the world that Wilson has created. Full of magic, myths, legends, lore, bonds, fantastical creatures, attractive men, tough ladies... this book is a romance novel, but it is so much more. The fantasy world is so incredible and I feel like this book would appeal to readers that aren't romance readers, because of the rich world-building. 

The climax of this book doesn't even really have to do with the romance! Of course, the romance is central, but the climax of the book deals with a threat to Calbernans and the princesses of Summerlea. My heart broke in a million pieces when the climax came, because of what Gabriella and her sisters had to endure. I was so surprised to see such in a romance novel, because it was heartbreaking (especially with Gabriella's account). But Wilson handled that heartbreaking, infuriating part of the story very well. 

The book ends extremely well, in true happily ever after form. Dilys and Gabriella get a lovely ending that is more of a beginning than anything else. I love the decisions that Gabriella makes, involving Dilys. I know that sounds vague but I am so wonderfully happy with some of the political changes she made. The mark of a strong woman, in my opinion - she recognized her strength and the strength of her mate, and she put him on the same level (and not beneath her). You'll see what I mean. I have so much respect for Gabriella because she is quietly strong, intense in her gentleness, and a true queen that raises up her king. I loved this.

Also, fun fact - there are many Wynter/Khamsin appearances in this book! There are even scenes written exclusively from their POV (short ones at the ends of chapters, that sort of thing). They are the cutest! Khamsin is getting closer to her due date but that doesn't stop her and Wynter from being so adorable and throwing some serious heat. I love them!

I loved The Winter King and this book did not disappoint at all. I'm glad Wilson took her time with this book, because it was truly a masterpiece. 

What I Did Not Like:

I definitely thought Gabriella did a little too much protesting when it came to Dilys and his courtship of her. I understood her reasons for not wanting to get close to anyone, but I felt like this line of thought and plot went on for too long. 

I also wanted more sexy times! But this is related to what I just talked about, above.

Also, That Thing that broke my heart. It is well-written but so cruel/heartbreaking. (Well there are two things.)

Would I Recommend It:

Romance fans, don't miss this series. I have to especially recommend the first book (The Winter King), but the author definitely lived up to expectations with this book. It is very different and very good. Steamy and sweet slow-burn romance, amazing world-building, great storytelling - give The Sea King a shot. It takes a bit to get into the story, but it is a lovely story.

Rating:

4 stars. I put off reading this book because I was scared - it is my most anticipated adult romance read of 2017. But I had nothing to be afraid of. Wilson wrote a story as beautiful as the cover. I will be anxiously awaiting the publication of the next books! Especially since I want updates on Wynter and Khamsin's babies.

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Review: The Winter King by C.L. Wilson

The Winter King by C.L. Wilson 

Publisher: Avon

Publication Date: July 29, 2014

Rating: 5 stars

Source: eARC from Edelweiss

***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***

Summary (from Goodreads):

Wynter Atrialan, the Winter King, once lived in peace with his southern, Summerlander neighbors, but when the prince of Summerlea steals Wynter’s bride and murders his young brother, Wynter calls upon a dangerous Wintercraig magic called the Ice Heart and marches against Summerlea.

After three bitter years of battle, a victorious Wynter arrives at Summerlea’s royal palace to issue his terms of surrender. The prince of Summerlea stole Wynter’s bride and slew Wynter’s Heir. He wants the loss replaced. The Ice Heart is consuming him. Wynter hopes holding his own child in his arms will rekindle the warmth in his heart before he becomes the monster of Wintercraig legend, the Ice King.

The Summer King has three very precious daughters whom he loves dearly. Wynter will take one of them to wife. She will have one year to provide him with an Heir. If she fails, he will send her to face the mercy of the mountains and claim another princess for his wife. And so it will continue until Wynter has his Heir or the Summer King is out of daughters.

The plan is perfect—except for one small detail. The Summer King has a fourth daughter. One of whom he is not so fond. And she is a fiercely passionate creature, with a temper as volatile as the forces of her weathergift, the power of storms.

What I Liked:

I'm just going to come right out and say it: I really don't like the cover. Yes, that has nothing to do with the content of the book itself, but if you take into account the COVER before reading the synopsis or something, please ignore it. Don't judge this book by its cover. Unless you find the cover stunning, in which case, love the heck out of it! Read this one! Yes yes yes!

I read this book on Friday (July 4th), re-read it on the same day, and then re-read it again on July 5th. And July 6th. Yes, this book is nearly 600 pages. Yes, I read and re-read it in its entirety four times. Yes, I am in love with this book. HOLY CRAP. This book was made for me. Literally perfect, totally made for me. It's an epic fantasy novel (epic fantasy is my favorite), a romance novel (oh my word the romance was AMAZING!), and I loved just about everything about this book. Be prepared for me to flail around and not do this book justice at all because AHHHH, IT WAS SOOO GOOD!!

Khamsin is the fourth princess of Summerlea, the disgraced daughter of the Summer King. She's a legitimate daughter, legitimate heir, but she "killed" her beloved mother, so her father hates her (it wasn't her fault though). Her sisters are known as the Seasons - Autumn, Summer, and Spring. Her brother, Falcon, stole the Winter King's future bride, as well as a really important book. When the Winter King comes to Summerlea to write peace negotiations, he takes a bride - one of the princesses. But he gets duped by the Summer King, because the Summer King gives him a daughter, but not one of the Seasons. Khamsin - Storm - becomes the Winter King's bride by deception, and while he isn't pleased about that, there is nothing he can do. But sparks more than fly between the summer princess and the Winter King, with intense power and sizzling chemistry between the two of them. So much more is at stake though, with Khamsin's brother looking for a legendary sword to defeat the Ice King. Where will Khamsin's loyalties lie?

Okay, I'll be honest - at first, I thought this was going to be a love story that was really just Stockholm Syndrome at play. Yes, Khamsin married Wynter willingly, but it seemed like only because she wanted to save her sisters from the fate, and because marriage to the Winter King was most likely better than being beaten and tormented by your own father and his servants. Poor Khamsin. HOWEVER. In my honest opinion (as always, heh), I don't think this was a Stockholm Syndrome case at all. Khamsin and Wynter fall in love slowly but surely, and trust me, all 600 pages of this book is SO WORTH IT, if only to follow the romance.

And there is so much more to this book than the romance! It's an epic fantasy novel. Wynter is a powerful king, in possession of the Ice Heart (which basically makes him virtually impossible to defeat, with enhanced power, but not immortal or anything). He has a kingdom and vast territories to manage, as well as Falcon and that book to find. Raising the Ice King would be seriously bad. Add on top of that a new wife and an Heir to sire within a year... this book is quite busy!

This book is written in third person, alternating perspectives. I especially LOVE this, in this book. It totally WORKS. The thing is, we know that Khamsin is the innocent princess, thrust into the hold of the big, bad Winter King. So we see Wynter as this villain, the enemy king, the Wolf in a wolf's pelt (literally, this guy is from the Snow Wolf clan of Winterfolk). The Summer King is also a villain, since he beat his own daughter within an inch of her life. But I really love Wynter's perspective, because we get to see inside his mind, the "villain's" mind. He's no villain at all, once you start seeing this his way. His manner seems cruel and unfeeling, but he has reasons, he has ways. I wish I could be more specific, but I won't.

So you know I really like Wynter. He's a total alpha, both physically and mentally, but I absolutely love his subtle compassion. The way he stood up for his new wife, after he had just learned that her father, her sisters, and even she deceived him. That was probably my favorite scene - the frozen hand scene, that's what I'll call it. The way he cared for her when she was sick in the carriage. When he took off his armor, despite the danger of that, so that she could ride comfortably with him. When she was completely broken, sitting in the balcony drenched in rain, completely lifeless. He's insatiable when it comes to some matters, and a total bonehead when it comes to others (you'll see, when they get to Gildenheim), but I didn't expect him to have such compassion. I honestly didn't expect to like him so much. I really do.

I really like Khamsin as well. She's fiery, quick-tempered, jealous, unpredictable as her storm powers, cautious. But she's also honorable and kind. She never betrayed Wynter, never deceived him (except the marriage bit, ha), never did completely stupid, reckless things or wasn't justified in her actions. She's smart, broken, compassionate - just as he is. The two of them are such a perfect match, like moths to each other's flames, or gold and silver. Literally, opposing powers attracting, but that's not it entirely. 

I already mentioned that I LOVED how the romance wasn't the only thing in this book. The fantasy is huge, and I just loved how well Wilson constructs this fantasy world. It really is so unique, despite seeming like the typical epic-fantasy-kingdoms-kings-and-queens kind of story. Wilson did a beautiful job of creating and portraying her fantasy world to readers. 

I can't seem to say enough about the romance. The romance was breathtaking, in my opinion, as well as it was intense. There is a lottttt of chemistry between Wynter and Khamsin, right from the start. The physical aspect of their relationship is very big, and very crucial. It seems like sex is the only thing that draws Wynter to Khamsin and vice versa, but eventually, that just isn't it. I love this. I love how the physical aspect of their relationship is thrown out there with a crash and bang, and then the mental and emotional side is built up slowly. Usually, I'm cautious when it comes to that order of things, but it worked so well in this book.

The ending was extremely fast, but not excessively so. Like, you won't get lost, but things snowball quickly. I liked the ending a lot. Wynter and Khamsin go through a lot, especially in terms of trust. Wynter's right-hand man Vallik is convinced that Khamsin is a spy for her father, right up until the ending (and honestly, he isn't to be blamed for trying to protect his obsessed king/best friend). But the ending is literally a perfect way to show Khamsin and Wynter's feelings for each other, their trust, and their relationship. Love!

I hope I've at least done this book a fraction of justice. I feel so so so strongly for this book, and I'm not entirely sure that I'm expressing that into words very well. I've read/re-read this book FOUR TIMES, people! Do you know how hard that is, as a book blogger? I have so many other review books, but I was in a total book hangover because THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD!! *cue flails*

What I Did Not Like:

I have nothing to say here! La la la I loved this book a lot, and yes, no book is perfect, but this book is so flipping awesome so we can pretend that it basically is!

If you're put off by the cover, don't be. I dislike the cover, but I LOVE the book.

If you're put off by the length, don't be. The 600 pages fly by, trust me.

Would I Recommend It:

YESSSSS!! If you love adult romance novels, THIS IS ONE FOR YOU! If you love historical romance novels, this is one for you! If you love fantasy novels, this is one for you! If you love all of the above, DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK FOR ANYTHING!! Come to think of it, no one who has even the slightest, remotest interest in this book should let it pass them by!

Rating:

5 stars. Actually, let's make that infinite stars. This book deserves it. It's rare that my rating of a book is higher than the overall rating of the book on Goodreads. It's rare that I give a book five stars. But that is the case here! I regret nothing, because this book is so worth it!

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