Title: Stag Nation: A Vexed Heart
Author: Angelica Hart & Zi
Published in April 2007 by New Concepts Publishing
Genre: Sci-Fi/Futuristic
ISBN: N/A
k’Dom Arcen of Amal and k’Dom Isak of Adras have a problem. The moons of Ynthia have long been at war, and yet once again, Mash k’Dom of Thebe is stirring the pot. In a daring move, k’Dom Isak and k’Dom Arcen propose a pact of jointure, with Isak giving his daughter rix Tiesa to Arcen. It is hoped they will form a bond which will lead to joining. This would be the ultimate alliance and from the jointure of these two royal houses, an army strong enough to quell the greed of Thebe, and protect the other moons from the cruelty and rapaciousness of The Mash, k’Dom of Thebe.
rix Tiesa is more than a handful. Cosseted and spoiled, she is used to having and going her own way. She is tough, fighting along side of her brothers in their training. She is quite accomplished, and far from the fainting miss, she has been allowed to match them step for step except when they went to war. She does not recognize her own beauty, but she is a wayward waif who only knows she revels in her skill and ability to fight, enjoys her independence, and smiles at all others consternation. For her to have her independence curtailed could be a cruel blow, but there is one thing not many would take into consideration when looking at the young tomboy that is Isak’s daughter. She is as sharp, if not sharper than the blades she wields so well. She may be considered willful and headstrong, but Tiesa is more than willing to enter into this union. She only worries Arcen might not like her, or he may be intolerable to her, but she is her father’s daughter at heart, and Tiesa knows peace could finally be within reach. If her sacrifice will get the promised peace for the worlds of Ynthia, then she will do as she must. But in her own way as usual…
A’kin is the beloved ward of k’Dom Arcen. Being childless was not Arcen’s choice, but when A’kin came into his life, he took him as his ward, and since then, A’kin has been the son of Arcen’s heart. He is now a warrior of unparalleled skill, never losing a battle, and never letting his k’Dom down is the mark of his love and honor. It is Arcen who chooses A’kin as First Puissant of Amal and his Conciliator, and as such sends him to Adras to tend to and reach a settlement. He trusts A’kin’s judgment and diplomacy, and to make the correct choices as to the courtship and possible joining of the two royal houses. On his return to Amal, it is by chance he meets Arcen’s long wished for mate, and subsequently learns of the dangers the union is incurring. Forced to flee with Tiesa in tow, A’kin swiftly finds out what the rix is made of, her skill, courage, and her heart. He fights the growing attraction to her, knowing they can not be together, and yet fate plays a different and treacherous hand. Finding themselves hunted by assassins, A’kin has no choice but to do what he can to protect Tiesa, and even then, she still has a few tricks up her sleeve that have him wondering. Yet A’kin is forced to remember, Tiesa is to be bound to Arcen, and he would not jeopardize his k’Dom’s happiness deliberately.
Stag Nation: A Vexed Heart is a short but intense read that leaves a reader wanting a whole lot more. Angelica Hart and Zi give a new meaning to subtlety in their sly references to worlds where dominance and submission rule the day. Their creations, in spite of the innuendo of domination and submission, are pleasant places where the major threat is the interruption of the one event that may finally bring a lasting peace to the moons of Ynthia. The worlds need a hero, and A’kin meets that criteria quite well. Tiesa has been well chosen and crafted too, as she counters A’kin’s hero with aplomb. Stag Nation: A Vexed Heart is available now at New Concepts publishing, and if you are a reader such as I, you will not be able to put this short read down until it says, “The End.” Kudos must go to Angelica Hart and Zi on their creation. I know I am definitely looking forward to the next installment in the Stag Nation saga. There is more coming, right? Please say, “YES!”
Yours in good reading,
Rose!
Angelica Hart and Zi Bio Interview Buy Stag Nation from New Concepts
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