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Handmaiden's Fury
Her body, her pleasure - None of them belong to her.
Keiri is a Handmaiden of Rydia, one of the Priestess' devoted to the Goddess of Passion and Lust. As such, she is a slave to desires which can at times overwhelm her, even as they provide her with strange powers.
Keiri is a tool for her Goddess, sometimes to be used for the pleasure and temptations of others. Never, however, has there been a task more intense- or more dangerous, than the one she has just been assigned.
Orin Devariis- one of the most powerful and deadly men she knows.
Still, Keiri's master seeks a dangerous secret. Soon, the Handmaiden stumbles into darkness she never knew was there. Strange assassins pursue her on the streets, and soon, they seem to be seeking her out. What are these strange, inhuman creatures who seem immune to her Goddess' gifts? And what do they want with her?
Now, Keiri and her enigmatic master must delve into secrets which span half a continent. But can they do so while remaining true to their vows to serve their goddess-without giving in to forbidden desire?
Keiri is a Handmaiden of Rydia, one of the Priestess' devoted to the Goddess of Passion and Lust. As such, she is a slave to desires which can at times overwhelm her, even as they provide her with strange powers.
Keiri is a tool for her Goddess, sometimes to be used for the pleasure and temptations of others. Never, however, has there been a task more intense- or more dangerous, than the one she has just been assigned.
Orin Devariis- one of the most powerful and deadly men she knows.
Still, Keiri's master seeks a dangerous secret. Soon, the Handmaiden stumbles into darkness she never knew was there. Strange assassins pursue her on the streets, and soon, they seem to be seeking her out. What are these strange, inhuman creatures who seem immune to her Goddess' gifts? And what do they want with her?
Now, Keiri and her enigmatic master must delve into secrets which span half a continent. But can they do so while remaining true to their vows to serve their goddess-without giving in to forbidden desire?
- GenresFantasy
Unknown Binding
First published December 31, 2012
10 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Guillen
23 books214 followersJM Guillen was just an average Joe when he worked at a Necromancy factory in 2018. After his job was outsourced to Mexico, he has been driven irrevocably mad and gifted with strange, terrible power.
Today he spends his time creating sentient velociraptors in his secret lair and summoning fell powers best left alone. His goal of absolute world domination is almost within his grasp. Soon, nothing will stop him.
Occasionally, he writes.
Today he spends his time creating sentient velociraptors in his secret lair and summoning fell powers best left alone. His goal of absolute world domination is almost within his grasp. Soon, nothing will stop him.
Occasionally, he writes.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 12, 2013
This review originally appeared here:
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I spent most of an afternoon drawn into JM Guillen’s free short fiction over at Irrational Worlds, and was quickly hooked by the rich and evocative worlds conveyed in just a few paragraphs. Needing even more, I decided to try the novella Handmaiden’s Fury.
Handmaiden’s Fury is the story of a young priestess named Keiri. She is a devotee of the goddess Rydia, whose grants power through sexuality. Keiri’s power allows her to bond with people, control them, and even destroy. Of course, it is not without personal cost, as the rituals to channel Rydia’s power involve a fair share of pain and submission.
When Keiri’s master discovers an evil sorcerer who smuggles slaves and ritually tortures innocent victims, he decides to use Keiri to put a stop the vile magic. As he and Keiri work together to defeat their foe, Keiri realizes the depth of love and passion that she and her master share.
As with the short fiction at Irrational Worlds, I was immediately drawn into the story, which combines elements of horror, dark fantasy, and erotica. Sexuality is an important part of the story, but is handled tastefully. The bond between Keiri and her master is something to be treasured, and it keeps Keiri’s power from consuming anything in its path. The magic system is unusual and well-developed, and the city in which the story is set seems like an organic part of a much larger world. My only real complaint about Handmaiden’s Fury is that it didn’t come to a complete resolution, leaving me wanting more. I hope that Guillen returns to Keiri’s story one day.
http://bookswithoutanypictures.wordpr...
I spent most of an afternoon drawn into JM Guillen’s free short fiction over at Irrational Worlds, and was quickly hooked by the rich and evocative worlds conveyed in just a few paragraphs. Needing even more, I decided to try the novella Handmaiden’s Fury.
Handmaiden’s Fury is the story of a young priestess named Keiri. She is a devotee of the goddess Rydia, whose grants power through sexuality. Keiri’s power allows her to bond with people, control them, and even destroy. Of course, it is not without personal cost, as the rituals to channel Rydia’s power involve a fair share of pain and submission.
When Keiri’s master discovers an evil sorcerer who smuggles slaves and ritually tortures innocent victims, he decides to use Keiri to put a stop the vile magic. As he and Keiri work together to defeat their foe, Keiri realizes the depth of love and passion that she and her master share.
As with the short fiction at Irrational Worlds, I was immediately drawn into the story, which combines elements of horror, dark fantasy, and erotica. Sexuality is an important part of the story, but is handled tastefully. The bond between Keiri and her master is something to be treasured, and it keeps Keiri’s power from consuming anything in its path. The magic system is unusual and well-developed, and the city in which the story is set seems like an organic part of a much larger world. My only real complaint about Handmaiden’s Fury is that it didn’t come to a complete resolution, leaving me wanting more. I hope that Guillen returns to Keiri’s story one day.
March 1, 2015
Guillen goes all 50 Shades with this one
Having read a couple of the author’s other stories, this one was a bit…different. With the accustomed quality of writing, fantastic and baroque atmosphere and interesting characters, the rating jumps from PG-13 to R and delivers our heroine, the eponymous Handmaiden. One part priestess, one part spy, one part assassin and all seduction as she plays host at times to a lusty and deadly goddess. As part of an order charged with rooting out dark powers that threaten this fantastic world, she employs her rather impressive assets for the task.
The writing here is appropriately more sensual and tactile-based than the other stories I’ve read from Guillen, as fits the subject matter, with an emphasis on the character’s sensation’s and impressions. The more explicit scenes have a direct bearing on the plot itself, and serve as a way for readers to learn more about this world and the heroine’s arsenal of abilities, which I found both intriguing and genuinely terrifying.
Deadly things can come in pretty packaging. Don’t court this Handmaiden’s fury.
Recommended for readers who’ve enjoyed the lush atmosphere of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel series.
Having read a couple of the author’s other stories, this one was a bit…different. With the accustomed quality of writing, fantastic and baroque atmosphere and interesting characters, the rating jumps from PG-13 to R and delivers our heroine, the eponymous Handmaiden. One part priestess, one part spy, one part assassin and all seduction as she plays host at times to a lusty and deadly goddess. As part of an order charged with rooting out dark powers that threaten this fantastic world, she employs her rather impressive assets for the task.
The writing here is appropriately more sensual and tactile-based than the other stories I’ve read from Guillen, as fits the subject matter, with an emphasis on the character’s sensation’s and impressions. The more explicit scenes have a direct bearing on the plot itself, and serve as a way for readers to learn more about this world and the heroine’s arsenal of abilities, which I found both intriguing and genuinely terrifying.
Deadly things can come in pretty packaging. Don’t court this Handmaiden’s fury.
Recommended for readers who’ve enjoyed the lush atmosphere of Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel series.
September 15, 2013
J.M. Guillen is a wordsmith. This is the second Guillen book I've read and I'm convinced.
To say that this book was a pleasant surprise would imply that I was going into it with low expectations. Quite the opposite, and still I was surprised.
Beyond just a fascinating plot, Handmaiden's Fury has a rich world described through character relationships. This alone was interesting enough to keep me reading, but Guillen offers so much more.
Scenes of fantasy/horror in Handmaiden's Fury possess such rich and powerful imagery that I had to stop and contemplate them, because moving forward immediately would rob me of full enjoyment. The horror of the sorcery near the end was a terrific balance of frightening without resorting to over-the-top disturbing.
I will re-read this book in the future, but not before moving on to another J.M. Guillen book. This one was easy to enjoy, and at this point, I'm confident the next one will be, too.
To say that this book was a pleasant surprise would imply that I was going into it with low expectations. Quite the opposite, and still I was surprised.
Beyond just a fascinating plot, Handmaiden's Fury has a rich world described through character relationships. This alone was interesting enough to keep me reading, but Guillen offers so much more.
Scenes of fantasy/horror in Handmaiden's Fury possess such rich and powerful imagery that I had to stop and contemplate them, because moving forward immediately would rob me of full enjoyment. The horror of the sorcery near the end was a terrific balance of frightening without resorting to over-the-top disturbing.
I will re-read this book in the future, but not before moving on to another J.M. Guillen book. This one was easy to enjoy, and at this point, I'm confident the next one will be, too.
October 3, 2013
Finished it today, and loved it. Has an excellent setting that makes you wonder what else there is lurking. There are strong, beautiful women, mysterious men and monstrous villains. The scenes where the magic happens (literally and figuratively. Go read it, you'll see what I mean) are really spicy; lots of heat, nice, slow burn and an excellent payoff, just like a nicely smoked chipotle pepper. The ending hints at more, and I hope there will be.
September 20, 2021
A pleasure to read
I loved how the author creates a full picture of the scenery. The language is tailored to the era and settings of an old-world theme. The story is full of steamy passion without being vulgar, just scintillating enough to let your own imagination create its own story. Of course the hero/heroine conquer the villain, as it should be, but with a delicious twist of justice to make his own demise!
I loved how the author creates a full picture of the scenery. The language is tailored to the era and settings of an old-world theme. The story is full of steamy passion without being vulgar, just scintillating enough to let your own imagination create its own story. Of course the hero/heroine conquer the villain, as it should be, but with a delicious twist of justice to make his own demise!
May 12, 2015
T
This was awesomely complex,the magic structure,the everyday words for the ingredients, the powers of the handmaiden and her sire's are wide open for the readers imagination to visualize in there heads!!!! The more twisted your head the more this book will draw you into the world!!!!!!!!!!!!
DEFINITELY RECOMMEND I'M GOING TO START THE HERALD OF Autumn RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This was awesomely complex,the magic structure,the everyday words for the ingredients, the powers of the handmaiden and her sire's are wide open for the readers imagination to visualize in there heads!!!! The more twisted your head the more this book will draw you into the world!!!!!!!!!!!!
DEFINITELY RECOMMEND I'M GOING TO START THE HERALD OF Autumn RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 26, 2014
Another fantastic novel by Guillen. The phrasing, the flow of words, are just captivating. I also don't know of any other author that could convincingly mix temples, BDSM, and sex magic. I hope this is a series - I want to learn more about this world that has been created. Guillen hints at the world these characters exist in, but I would love to see it fully fleshed out.
January 4, 2016
I started reading this book with scepticism. Now I'm so glad I did! The strong, yet, vulnerable Keiria is a wonderful character. She's enticing and her story is fascinating. Keiria has qualities a lot of women have. She's inventive, strong in her faith, beautiful, loving and kind, but also deadly if the need arises. I can't wait to read the next book.
August 13, 2018
If wishes could come true!
I have enjoyed this book for several years. I usually get the free books. If there was a sequel, unless it was more then $3.99, I would buy it. Hope you write more..
I have enjoyed this book for several years. I usually get the free books. If there was a sequel, unless it was more then $3.99, I would buy it. Hope you write more..
November 27, 2016
An Interesting Tale
The Goddesses gifts takes on evil when a man is trafficking women and using dark arts.
The Handmaiden's job is to be used as a tool for the Goddess.
An interesting read with unique characters and circumstances.
The Goddesses gifts takes on evil when a man is trafficking women and using dark arts.
The Handmaiden's job is to be used as a tool for the Goddess.
An interesting read with unique characters and circumstances.
November 25, 2014
I do not know what I was expecting, but it sure was not what I read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews