The Four Arts, Book 1
Synopsis: Entangled in a court ruled by tradition and intrigue, a young witch must come to terms with newfound power and desire—and a choice between loyalty and survival.…
The royal witches of Anglion have bowed to tradition for centuries. If a woman of royal blood manifests powers, she is immediately bound by rites of marriage. She will serve her lord by practicing the tamer magics of the earth—ensuring good harvests and predicting the weather. Any magic more dangerous is forbidden.
Lady Sophia Kendall, thirty-second in line to the throne, is only days away from finding out if she will be blessed—or perhaps cursed—with magic. When a vicious attack by Anglion’s ancient enemies leaves the kingdom in chaos, Sophia is forced to flee the court. Her protector by happenstance is Lieutenant Cameron Mackenzie, a member of the royal guard, raised all his life to be fiercely loyal to the Crown.
Then Sophia’s powers manifest stronger than she ever imagined they would, and Cameron and she are inextricably linked in the process. As a witch unbound by marriage rites, Sophia is not only a threat to the established order of her country, but is also a weapon for those who seek to destroy it. Faced with old secrets and new truths, she must decide if she will fight for her country or succumb to the delicious temptation of power.…
Review: I had read some novels in the paranormal romance series by MJ Scott, but when she has announced the release of a brand new series, with a different note, I admit that I was intrigued. A kind of historical mix, added to that some intrigues of the court, witches and power, a mix that we can only appreciate.
Lady Sophia is an innocent girl, frightened because about her future. She is a heir to the throne even if a far one, and she is waiting to see if her witch gifts will manifest or not … But if her powers appear, she will have to marry the man chosen to be her husband and it is not a future that many are waiting for with pleasure. Yet on the day of her birthday, everything will change … Oh yes, because while the palace was attacked by an enemy nation, our heroine is far from the place with a bodyguard of the day: Cameron. But it is also during that day that she discovers her powers and that she realizes that she is and will remain a royal witch. Unfortunately, the events taking place early in the book prevent her to being bound and soon many people will be interested in her. Her power grows and some wonder if she is not a threat to the throne, a pawn who could be not as malleable and suggestible.
I enjoyed discovering Lady Sophia. This is a young woman who evolves throughout the story, a fair person who will quickly understand that people sometimes have deceptive appearances, they soon forget friendship when power and desire come into play. It is rather sad to see how people behave when they feel threatened by someone while there were no problems at the start. Fortunately for her, her bodyguard and finally a little more than that will be there for her, to support her and help her. I loved this young man too. He is true, tries to understand what is happening and acts as best as he can in all situations. Their story is not really easy under the circumstances but I think they both form a beautiful duo. Through them, we discover the world of the author, myths she chose to explore and I confess that I found it all fascinating. She had lots of ideas here, and we remain captivated by this new world.
It was a good first volume, which perfectly lays the foundation of the history and I’m very curious now to read and learn more.
Mogsy @ BiblioSanctum
I was very intrigued by this one, especially since I’m always on the lookout for good fantasy with a mix of romance, even though I prefer if the genre elements are a bit more balanced. I hear this one skews heavier towards romance, but I’m still quite curious to check it out. Thanks for the review!
Melliane
yes it’s more about the romance but it’s interesting too.
Silvia
I didn’t know about this title, but I’m intrigued by the synopsis and I also like the cover. I’ll have to check it out, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Melliane
yes it’s a beautiful cover!
Paula M. @ Her Book Thoughts!
It’s always a good thing when a first book left you curious. I will totally check this book out. Great review Melliane! I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂
Melliane
yes i want book 2 now !
Tracy Terry
This one really appeals though I’m staying strong in my determination not to begin any books that form a series.
Melliane
ah difficult choice
Kim @ BookSwoon
I’m glad you enjoyed this new series starter by M.J. Scott! The Shattered Court is my first read by Scott and I’m very excited to continue. The fantasy and romance mix was a perfect combination for me, and I can’t wait to see if Sophia developes more unique gifts.
Lovely review, Melliane 🙂
Melliane
yes it was nice to see what would happen for them.
kindlemom1
I love that this has a historic feel to it mixed with fantasy. It sounds like a pretty solid first book.
Wonderful review!
Melliane
yes it was really nice like that
LilyElement
Oooh I think Drea might enjoy this one. Great review!
Melliane
thanks!
Brandi Breathes Books
Sophia and her character progression sounds well done. I haven’t seem much about this one so nice to hear you enjoyed for the most part
Melliane
yes it was good
Maja (The Nocturnal Library)
I’ve had my eye on this one for quite some time, mostly because of that gorgeous cover. I’m glad it was a decent start and that you liked Lady Sophia as much as you did. I’ll make sure to get a copy as soon as I can.
Melliane
I hope you’ll like it as well!
Braine
Oh dear, I keep forgetting I have this!
Heidi
This sounds like a good one, and I like that is is a bit on the historical side. I will have to keep this in mind.
Ramona
Lady Sophia and Cameron seem as fascinating and the world where they live. I’m adding this, thanks, mademoiselle 😀
Melliane
my pleasure lady!
blodeuedd
I heard some things that made me not wanna read it
Melliane
sorry to hear that
kimbacaffeinate
i added this to my wishlist..i love the blending of historical and paranormal.
Joy (Joyousreads)
I like the combination of historical and paranormal, too. But sometimes, it’s also a bit daunting. I like that this first book was a good start and intoduction to the series. I might want to wait till the second book, though.
Melliane
yes we’ll see how book 2 is now.
Jennifer Bielman @ Bad Bird Reads
This actually sounds really cool. I love royal books! Plus the cover is amazing.
anna (herding cats & burning soup)
Ooo I think I might need this one. It looks very good and that cover is gorgeous.
Aurian
It sounds good Melliane! I have one or two of her books, but not yet read those. This makes me think: fantasy romance.
Melliane
Yes a bit, but younger.
Molly Mortensen
It sounds like you enjoyed it so I’m curious why you only gave it 3 1/2 stars. I’d heard about this one and it sounded good. I was afraid the main character wouldn’t be strong but sounds like that wasn’t an issue.
Melliane
it’s good but something was lacking for more I think.
Carole Rae
I want to know more about her!
Kirsty-Marie
Heard a lot about this one lately, especially, the, uh, romance, haha. You seem to have liked it a little less, but still sounds good. 🙂