Sword's Call

The King's Riders #1

by C.A. Szarek

For generations, the Ryhans, ruling family of the Province of Greenwald, have been keepers of a sword rumored to possess enough magic to defeat kings. Lord Varthan, a former archduke and betrayer of the king, covets the sword and invades Greenwald. Lady Ceralda Ryhan, daughter of the murdered duke, gains the sword and flees, trusting only her white wolf, Trikser—magically bonded to her. Cera needs nothing more to aid in her fight.

Jorrin Aldern, half elfin and half human, left his home in the mountains of Aramour to find his human father who disappeared twenty turns before, but finds Cera with Varthan and his shades on her tail instead. His dual heritage and empathic magic will tempt Cera in ways she never thought she’d desire. But can he convince her trust and love can pave the path to redemption—or will the epic battle end in tragedy, and evil conquer them all?

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Magic, Fantasy Romance, Suspense, Audiobook, Adventure

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 20, 2013

About the author

USA Today Bestselling, award winning author of romantic suspense and epic fantasy romance, C.A. loves to dabble in different genres. If it's a good story, she'll write it, no matter where it seems to fit!

She's a hopeless romantic and always will be. Risking it all for Happily Ever After is what she lives by!

C.A. is originally from Ohio, but got to Texas as soon as she could. She's happily married and has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice.

She's always writing, and helps small business owners by writing their websites, and she loves it!

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Reviews

[Ashley Daviau · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t love this book but I didn’t hate it either, I’m kind of in the middle with it. Some parts were incredibly interesting and captivating while others left me wanting to skip pages and skim through. I had a hard time connecting with the characters and that definitely negatively affected my enjoyment. There was a lot of potential and I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next in the series!

[Amee · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started to read Swords Call I was a little nervous. I was about to take a walk out of my comfort zone, into a book that is a little different then my "norm". I am REALLY glad I stuck with it though because I have fallen completely in love with this world. Ms. Szarek is AWESOMESAUCE!

Cera and Jorrin meet by chance and immediately you can see that you are going to fall deep into their lives. There is nothing better in my opinion then a strong female character and that is exactly what Cera is! She is on a mission and nothing or no one is going to get in her way!!!! Okay.... so maybe I lied, maybe there is something better then a strong female and that is a strong hot male who allows that female to be who she is, and THAT is Jorrin. As the half elf half human falls for his true love he will remain at her side as she fights for her family and for what is right.

Swords Call is a beautiful love story but it is also much more then that. It brings you into an amazing world that Ms. Szarek has created. A world full of fantasy and magic! There is also a lot of action including some pretty kick a$$ fight scenes. The only thing you will be disappointed in if you read Swords Call is that there isn't more to read right away because this is a story and a world you are going to love! So even if you are hesitant, like I was, cause it is out of your "norm" give it a go, you won't regret it!!!!

[Jeannie Guzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read the unedited copy and it was awesome, can't wait for the edited version.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

The sword’s magical, the wolf is delightful, and the woman bravely pursues her valiant quest. When she meets a quiet half-elf her generous nature compels her to offer him help, but perhaps he’ll end up helping her instead, in more ways than she expects. C. A. Szarek’s Sword’s Call is the first in a series of romantic fantasy novels, set in a pleasingly consistent fantasy world where elves and humans keep themselves to themselves and mixed marriages are frowned on. Social customs of rich and poor, master and servant, ally and foe are all nicely drawn. Backstory is given quickly and smoothly in just the right places, leaving just the right number of questions waiting to be resolved. Why did Jorrin’s father disappear? Who is the mysterious shade? Why didn’t the bad guy win? The author wisely doesn’t answer everything, leaving the reader to ponder and wait for more. But the answers she gives create nicely consistent characters and a believable romance, backed by the traumas of battle and war.

For myself, I wish heroines weren’t always so quick to jump to conclusions, and heroes so bad at trying to express themselves. But that’s just me. The romance is fun, built on great dialog, frequent missteps, and occasionally detailed sensual scenes. The swordplay and magic are well-drawn. And different points of view are used to good effect to enhance the action and excitement. The story ends with a nice sense of completion and just enough mystery to make the reader want more, so I hope book two will arrive soon.

Disclosure: I won a free ecopy of this novel.

[Lex · Rating 2 out of 5]

It took me forever to finish this book. There are so many problems with characters and plots and it just felt like the author was trying to cram too much in to one book. All the characters are great people nobody has an issues with anyone else so she had to force the conflict to try and make it interesting. If she hadn't they would have been married by chapter 10 and lived happily ever after!! And so by the end of chapter 15 her best friend would have also.

The villain in this story didn't make much sense. I didn't understand the sword fight and that could very well be because I actually sword fight and so when Varthan is fighting with one of the guys and 2 people go to check on the health of someone else instead of joining the fight killing him and then making sure everyone is alive, I was confused. When the fighting is described I just imagine them flailing around at each other and no one knows what they are doing. The majority of the plot lines are wrapped up in one sentence lines thrown in the middle of other descriptive paragraphs. And so many things aren't explained at all that I got really frustrated, a lot.

If I could give half stars it would be a 2.5 because I managed to finish it but I almost didn't care enough to. Unfortunately, I bought the second book at the same time and so I will likely read that one as well just to torture myself. The copy of this book came with the first chapter of the next book and I'm already finding issues.

[Alanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I start my review I would like to take a moment say my congratulations to C.A. Szarek for the release of her first book! Great job!

Fantasy Romance is one of my favorite genres, even though half the time I’m left saying WHAT? So I after hearing about this book about 4 months ago through my book club and reading the book blub as well as being teased with snippets on the authors blog (http://www.caszarekwriter.blogspot.ca/) I had high hopes for this book to deliver. And boy did it ever!

I keep trying to put into words how I feel about this book. WOW! That was my first thought coherent after finishing Sword’s Call, book one in the King's Riders series by C.A. Szarek. I couldn’t put the book down, I was left with goosepimples! And after hours of trying to write a review that’s all I really have! I LOVED THIS BOOK! Loved it so much I’m speechless! I didn’t want the story to end, I want more!

I want to write about the work itself but my words seem inadequate. Everything I come up with pales in comparison to this story. It was perfect the way it is. My words will not aid this story in any way.

If you want to read an amazing story with strong women, magic, evil and love, than this is a series for you! C.A. Szarek blows this genre out of the water. My only regret is I have to WAIT for the next book!

Please pick up your copy of Sword’s Call today, you won’t be disappointed!

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read in 2013!

[Cecilia Robert]

I reaaaaaaally need this book!!!!

[Amanda Hupe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book introduces Ceralda Ryhan who is on the road fleeing from the man who murdered her family named Varthan. By her side, is her bond mate, a wolf named Trikser. They are magically bonded to protect one another. She carries a magic sword that her family needs to protect. While in a tavern she comes across Jorrin Aldern, who is a half elf and half human. He is using his empathetic magic to find his father who disappeared twenty years before. However, Cera can’t stay in one place too long with Varthan hunting her down. Jorrin and Cera decide to stick together to journey to a castle to keep the sword safe and hopefully defeat Varthan once and for all.

This story is a great introduction to a magical world filled with elves, wolves, mages, and wizards. I must say that I really love the world building! The description of the layout of the kingdom is fantastic and I love how the story revolves around a quest and not just a love story. The characters are strong but also had their faults. Yes, sometimes there are a few pointless fights but overall, I love how they grow together. Trust is an issue for Cera. Jorrin doesn’t seem to communicate very well, but in the end, they work.

My favorite aspect of this story is the magic. Everything scene is just filled with it. I love the concept of Cera being magically bonded to her wolf. The concept is that neither can live if the other dies. They act as one. Now, there are a couple of technical issues. For instance, the flow of the story and wrapping up the conclusion. However, as the first book in a series, it does a great job of introducing the world and memorable characters!

Overall, I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars. I really can’t wait to start book 2! If you love fantasy, magic, and romance, you will love this book!

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this story this is my introduction to this author. I will tell you what I liked and then what I didn't.

First I liked the world building, the strong characters, the action, drama. the angst, the emotions and the slow build up to the romance. What I wasn't too happy about is the missing details like the family before the disaster and quest if you will that Cera needs to fulfill before she gives her heart fully to Jorrin. That being said I liked the journey to the ending. I hope to be able to read more of these King's Riders and their bondmates if they are so lucky as to find one.

I voluntarily read an advance copy and have not been compensated in any way for this honest opinion.

[Diana P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sword's Call is the extraordinary journey of two young, a human girl Cera and a halfling elf Jorrin. The magical world C.A. Szarek creates is more than wizards, mages and elves, is about friendship, love, treason, maturing and relationships.
Cera's journey is not only a geographical one, but also a maturing one many levels: personal, love, friendsip, family.
For Cera, finding Jorrin is in a way finding the missing piece, and I do think they have a lot of growing to do together. Jorrin, as fabulous as is, is still young and has his own internal struggle to battle with. Although a man that can be counted on, he is letting Cera to take decisions although not always agreeing with her, he is not the overbearing alfa male that conquers all in his way, and that is why he is the perfect match for Cera.
Jorrin has his own journey and processes to take on as he discovers that his path is actually entwined with Cera's.
Cannot wait to see what C.A.Szarek has in the future for us and what the couple as an acomplished and fulfilled man and woman have in store for us, as well as their friends....I have my eyes on a couple of them.
And of course, very anxious to meet the next Ryhan generation and their adventures.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sword's Call, the first book of The King's Riders Series, tells the story of Lady Ceralda Ryhan, heir of the Duke of Greenwald and possessor of a magic sword. She is in danger, being sought by Lord Varthan after he murdered her family, seeking to possess the sword and become king of the kingdom of Terraquist. In hiding, and running to her only remaining family, an aunt and uncle, Cera saves the life of a half-elf named Jorrin who joins her on her trek along with her bond mate, a white wolf named Trikser.

Set in the time of Kings and Queens, Knights and Ladies, Cera encounters elves, mages, wizards, and healers along her path to save not only her sword, but the King and kingdom of Terraquist. But, will she find the help she needs, or will Lord Varthan and his evil Shades win? Will Cera find more than she bargains for at the end of her quest? Can she open her heart and learn to trust and maybe even love again?

Ms. Szarek has woven a tale of danger, intrigue, power and love in this medieval tale. A bit slow in the beginning, but soon the story began to be filled with drama and was hard to put down. It was truly enjoyable to read. I can't wait to read more of these characters, and see not only them, but the author continue to grow and develop!

4 stars.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Might have a spoiler or 2!

I had a really hard time getting through this. Starting off it was very slow. It never really picked up for me. I mean slightly after you get through about 35-40%. I had difficulty liking Cera. I went back and forth about her. I LOVED Jorrin and wanted my own half elf. There's a lot in this book and a little too descriptive which made it drag. Cera is one of those characters who dont really think before jumping into something. She indeed has some skill and does better than most but there is a lot she doesnt. She's really stubborn and doesnt always accept things so quickly especially if someone might have a better plan of action. She's definitely out for revenge which is totally warranted. I do feel sympathy toward her character. So I did like her sometimes. Jorrin himself goes through a lot in this book. Being abandoned by a parents isnt easy especially when you see them later when your an adult. There's always a reason for the abandonment but still it really smarted him for a bit when he was reunited with said parent. When Jorrin and Cera weren't acting like fools I totally dug them as a couple. I think I am interested in reading the 2nd book at some point.

[Cayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read so far this year and it will always be one of my favorites in my collection of books. From page one to the last I was traveling with Cera and Jorrin never once did it not have me engrossed in to what was going on and feeling every emotion that the characters did.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantasy world,elves,knights,magic,kings and Queens. It has it all,a complete new world and a fab love story . I really wish the next one would be out now.

[Alicia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I gave up at 33%.

This is possibly the corniest, most cliché thing I have ever read. It takes every fantasy trope and shoves it in here from the eccentric wizard to the handsome, broody love interest, to the heroine with the magical animal bond.

There are also so many contradictory situations with the main characters. One page they're fine and acting like mature, rational people on their magical quest. The next they are moody teenagers(I think they are teenagers but I don't care enough to check) constantly fighting with their crush.

The magic system is very disorganized feeling, I can't get a read on it for it to make sense why things work the way they do. I don't buy, "it's magic!" Since even magic has rules and a way it behaves in fantasy settings. It annoys me greatly.

I almost quit reading this book at about 10% because one minute Cera is an intelligent, go getting heroine that is a strong lead... The next she's forgetting she's riding a STALLION while Jorrin is riding a MARE. As an equestrian myself, I can't even begin to wrap my head around how STUPID that is. That'd a good way to get someone hurt or killed.

And that's the character entrusted with the super special magical sword?

That's terrifying.

The extra large emotions, y'know the ones like cartoon characters do where it's all exaggerated, wear me out. How quickly the characters switch chafts at me too. Pick one! Communicate! If I was Jarrod, I would be so fed up with Cera's BS. If those two ever get together, they're just gonna be fighting all the time. From how this book reads, it's aimed at very young adults and I heavily dislike the role model for a relationship that this book projects. It's not at all healthy.

Maybe they'll talk in the next couple chapters, I dunno. I'm not finding out.

[Shayay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an entertaining story, and normally I don't enjoy the medieval type setting, but I liked it here. I listened to the audiobook of Sword's Call, and I enjoyed the narrator. She has an accent that works with this type of story. I'd recommend listening! Ceralda is in hiding because there's an enemy that has killed her family and is in search of her and a magical sword she has. She helps out a half elf, half human, Jorrin, and the two join forces to help each other. There's also an attraction between the two, but they have trouble getting past some things. The romance is sweet, and definitely gets sexy! The scenes aren't super detailed, but they do have some spice. There is some adventure that I loved, but I would've loved more of it. There are a lot of POV's and I think it would've been nice to have less. That time could've been spent on the journey that Ceralda is on, and that would've added more adventure. I liked Ceralda, but man oh man! she makes horrible decisions. She says she has a "plan" during one of her more stupid decisions, but really she didn't have a plan. She also jumps to conclusion too quickly, so that shows her immaturity and naivety during those times. I still loved the connection between Jorrin and her though. Jorrin has his moments too, but they are young, so they are bound to make some mistakes. The story is interesting and there's a lot going on, but the author did a great job of pulling it all together. I look forward to the next book! This one is a complete story, and it looks like the next one features new main characters, but still has characters from this book, so I'm excited to see where the characters go!

[Nicole B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great-quick listen. This audio takes you on a paranormal adventure with a young human girl, her white wolf, and a half elf-half human. The author did a fabulous job developing the characters and the narrator, with her beautiful accent, conveyed the emotions well. Not only did I find her convincing as the main character but her performance of the male character did not deter me from the story. She pulled off the strength, fear, authority, and determination with the nuances of her tone while still staying true to the characters age and circumstances. I was engrossed from beginning to end. It’s a book about bravery, friendship, betrayal, trust, love, but mostly of believing in yourself. I’m definitely looking forward to hearing more from this narrator and listening to the next audio in this series. I would recommend this audio to anyone who enjoys a fluid, fascinating paranormal Audio that will sweep you away to a far off land.

[Sahnya Mcwaters · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was drawn by the cover of the book and extremely glad I read it the book is awesome. If you enjoy magic, mystical creatures, adventure and a little romance to escape your everyday life as I do, must read. I like to feel like I'm in the story I'm reading and this book definitely captured that essence and made me feel like I was right there in the moment. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

[Nancy Edwards · Rating 1 out of 5]

OMG and again we have the main characters immediately in lust, the deep kiss, the dueling tongues, and the awakening manhood.

Regardless of how good this story might be I will not be finishing this book or any other by this author.

EVERY book reads the same. The story/plot is predictable from the beginning. Even the terminology is predictable.

I am all for the happy ever after but please get a new formulary style.

[Lynn Zagrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this audiobook free for an honest review. I was wondering if I would like this book, judging from the cover. I thought it might be cartoonish. But, it wasn 't. It had a lot of thrill and suspense to keep the reader/listeners attention. The narrator did a great job with the personalities of the characters. Looking forward to the next books.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sword’s Call

Magical! An epic fantasy adventure full of danger, suspense and romance. I enjoyed the characters and how their grew stronger together learning about themselves and one another throughout. I love how they overcame obstacles having their relationship grew because of it. Can’t wait to read about the other characters!

[Wendy Bocock · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bought illustrated version of the book because it was very pretty. Story just didn't really click for me. It felt formulaic and characters weren't very fleshed out. Also, there were illustrations of the main characters having sex, which felt a little pornographic (illustrations were comic book-like, but still - eewww!

[Tracy Fritts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

Wonderful story and well written. I enjoyed reading about the characters and I look forward to reading the next story

[Notes From 'Round the Bend · Rating 2 out of 5]

**This review is for the audiobook version read by Ruth Urquhart. I received this free audiobook download through eStories.com**

For generations, the Ryhans have been the ruling family of the Province of Greenwald and keepers of a sword rumored to possess enough magic to defeat kings. It’s the kind of power Lord Varthan covets, and when Duke Ryhan foils his plot to betray the king, Varthan sees the perfect opportunity to both seek revenge and take the sword for his own. He invades Greenwald with the help of his Shades and murders the Ryhan family…all save one.

Lady Ceralda Ryhan, daughter of the murdered duke, gains the sword and flees, trusting only her white wolf, Trikser, who is magically bonded to her. Cera needs nothing more to aid in her fight, save time to plot her revenge against Varthan.

Jorrin Aldern, half elfin and half human, left his home in the mountains of Aramour to find his human father who disappeared twenty turns before. But when his path crosses Cera’s he agrees to assist her in her quest…reluctant as she is to accept his help at first.

Jorrin’s dual heritage and empathic magic will tempt Cera in ways she never thought she'd desire. But can he convince her trust and love can pave the path to redemption-or will the epic battle end in tragedy, and evil conquer them all?

***
I adore fantasy. It’s been my go-to genre since childhood and I’ve read all the Greats at least once. When I read the description and saw the gorgeous cover (very reminiscent of Tamora Pierce) for “Sword’s Call”, I couldn’t resist the lure of epic battles, magic swords, and quests of retribution. I had high hopes that “The King’s Riders” would be a new favorite series.

I suppose it still might, but only if the next books are an improvement over “Sword’s Call”.

This book didn’t really seem to know where it was going for a good portion of its pages. ‘Kill that bastard Varthan’ was the general direction it was headed, but it definitely meandered in getting there. And all the situations that should have complex, involved, and intriguing were handled quickly and with almost zero struggle, risk, or suspense. There wasn’t really anything driving the story (or the reader to continue reading/listening). Once Varthan was resolved, the book took off in an entirely different direction. Events continued on past Varthan to the point that he was almost forgettable. I didn’t mind that the author wanted to write a Happily Ever After (we all knew it was coming) but the climax came so far from the end of the book that the rest felt contrived.

In addition to a clumsy plot, I’m saddened to say that Ms. Szarek filled “Sword’s Call” with wishy-washy, flip-flopping, one-dimensional characters. Cera was juvenile and hard to like and her behavior seemed to stem more from the needs of the plot instead of rationality. There were misunderstandings between her and Jorrin—and really, just character behaviors in general—that only existed because the author wanted to ratchet up the tension and lengthen her tale. I’ve seen this technique in other romances and it was just as annoying and unsuccessful for me here. Varthan was a laughable, hokey villain and it was easy to forget about him as the story progressed.

I also wasn’t a fan of Ruth Urquhart’s narration. Her normal reading voice was all right, but the accents/different voices she did for the various characters were hokey and overdone. The audio quality was so-so, and it definitely didn’t sound like a professional recording. Many of the first chapters ended with a several seconds of garbled audio from earlier in the chapter.

The romance scenes were really the only semi-redeeming aspect of “Sword’s Call”. Most of them were well written, passionate, and steamy, though at times I found them to be a bit repetitive. And with as bold and headstrong as Cera was written, I would have thought she’d be a more active participant in her trysts with Jorrin. I wanted to see her take charge.

Bottom line: I had such high hopes for “Sword’s Call”, but it was fairly lackluster and I can’t really recommend it.

[Staci Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always a pleasure to read stories of strong woman.

Strength is gained and maintained by continued efforts. As a woman it often required extra sacrifice. It is inspirational to read of a woman who invests what it takes.

[Jan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Another beautiful cover that lured me in. This was very disappointing and just not for me!!

[Toni Felton · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book we are in the world of Magic and Knights, where Wizards live and so do Elves. Cera and her bond mate the white wolf name Trixter are on the way to her family home with a magic sword that only she may wield when she comes across Jorrin, a halfling elf. They have an instant connection but no trust as humans and elves live separately as elves have every reason to distrust humans. Cera is a sword wielding hell on wheels as she has been trained to be part of the King's Riders, part of the King's Guard but she is on a mission to her home as her family has been slaughtered and some may still be held hostage. Jorrin is on his own mission to find his Father who has gone missing but soon they find that their journeys are intertwined by fate. I really loved many aspects of this story. There was constant tension between Cera and Jorrin as they could not get past their misconceptions and assumptions. I love strong female leads and we have that in Cera. We also have great villain whom is tracking them that creates much tension along the way. There is also a lot of swordplay and in the end a great love story. This is not a YA. I stayed up all night reading this book! I cannot wait for the next in this series!

[Jess O. (From Jess to You) · Rating 3 out of 5]

"3 out of 5 stars! Ceralda (Cera) is out for revenge. Her whole family has been brutally murdered while she was away and now she is on the run with hope of killing the man who murdered them along the way. While on her way to her Uncle's castle, Cera meets a half-elfin empath named Jorrin, who decides to help her accomplish her quest. They grow very close during their journey. Yet, are they willing to open up to one another for good or will they muddle up the best thing that could happen to them? Also, will Cera be able to exact her revenge or will her courage falter?

I was familiar with Ms. Szarek's writing style prior to purchasing this novel when it was on sale. I found that when it comes to this novel I enjoy its plot, the world everything was set in, and the characters. However..."

Read more of my review and TWO TEASERS here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2015/05/made-grade-kings-riders-series-book-1.html

[Nicole B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great-quick listen. This audio takes you on a paranormal adventure with a young human girl, her white wolf, and a half elf-half human. The author did a fabulous job developing the characters and the narrator, with her beautiful accent, conveyed the emotions well. Not only did I find her convincing as the main character but her performance of the male character did not deter me from the story. She pulled off the strength, fear, authority, and determination with the nuances of her tone while still staying true to the characters age and circumstances. I was engrossed from beginning to end. It’s a book about bravery, friendship, betrayal, trust, love, but mostly of believing in yourself. I’m definitely looking forward to hearing more from this narrator and listening to the next audio in this series. I would recommend this audio to anyone who enjoys a fluid, fascinating paranormal Audio that will sweep you away to a far off land.