It's going to put off a lot of possible fantasy readers who generally tend to be drawn to stories involving epic sword battles, magic, mythical beings, and fiendish plots to take over the world, because it gives the impression the story is going to be about some woman wearing a veil and hanging out in a harem not doing much.

Up to chapter 14 I thought it was a 3 star read but after that it quickly dropped to a 2 star 'meh, why am I still reading this?' rating.īefore I properly begin my review I want to say that I think it was a very poor marketing decision to go with the Harlequin like re-title 'Reluctant Concubine' over the original “The Third Scroll”. In closing I wish the book strong start would have continued and the author would have stuck to the character driven story, instead of getting me the reader tangled in the scrolls of prophecy.I give this book an averaged 2.5 stars. I always felt disjointed when they were together, but Tera does connect with so many other characters. I needed a small moment, whereas a reader I would have connected with them. I felt no passion between Batumar and Tera, not deep rooted connection to bind them together, and for her to risk so much for him. I am a detail oriented person, but at times I was frustrated that the author sacrificed characters building, specifically in Batumar case for the world and the lore of the intricate world she built. Then the High Lord of Kadar, Batumar enters the picture, and with it the book gets tangled in it’s own world building and lore. Tera is a powerful character and I really was entranced by her struggles in the first part of the book. She comes from a peaceful society and is thrust into a world of cruelty. She is a healer who has not come into her powers.

The book deals with Tera, a healer, who is sold into slavery by her father.

The world building is intricate but not very nuanced, which makes the book drag at times. Reluctant Concubine by Dana Marton is an ambitious epic fantasy read that gets tangled in it’s own world building after a very strong start. When ancient prophecies begin to come to pass, can the healer-slave save the realm and awaken the High Lord’s heart? Born into a much gentler world, she struggles to survive in a land of savage warlords and their cruel concubines. To escape punishment, Tera, a maiden healer sold to barbarians must hide the truth: she has not yet come into her healing powers. This post contains affiliate links, please see our 'About' page.