An Elemental Fantasy Series (House of Xannon Book 1)

I thoroughly enjoyed the action and vivid description in this fantasy novel. The author clearly depicts the internal struggles of transition from youthful antics to adult acceptance of responsibility.

The characters and the places they went felt believable, including the creepy lizard thing. I love how Tarian is able to communicate with dolphins and how head strong and stubborn she is. Not sure I would want to be a Scion or a Keeper of the Dolphin Throne though, way to much responsibility. Alex, Frankie, and Daric are my three favorite male characters in this book. Frankie is the lovable, caring, friend we all look for, and Alex and Daric they love and care for Tarian even though they know what her duty and priorities are. Calliope is the sister that has the biggest heart, I just wanted to reach in and hug her myself.

This story was unique and very well written.

Although this book is part of a series, it is drawn to a satisfying conclusion. The story and characters encourage continued reading. The limitations and capabilities of the magic are consistent. This is an enjoyable book.

Quite possibly one of the best fantasy books I've read so far. The characters are believable, well-developed, and engrossing with every page. Each chapter makes you want to keep reading. A real page turner!

I agree with another reviewer who said that heroine was so infuriating. I got so tired of her refusing help and going off on her own without any preplanning that I put it down for a few days. I decided to give it another chance, and she does it twice within the first three pages after I picked it up. I wanted to give it only one star because this kept happening over and over but I admit I manged to read it to the end so I added a star for my interest in it.

However, I do not like the heroine and will not be reading any more books in the series.

I really can't decide between 3 and 4 stars. The whole immature princess (scion) who moans and groans about having to do her duty while being beautiful, powerful, and loved is a real turn off to me. It's also a bit heavier on the romance/sex than I generally like.

But, it was fairly unique and builds an interesting magical world (on modern day earth), so I almost liked it. Not enough to read the next one though.

Quite possibly one of the best fantasy books I've read so far. The characters are believable, well-developed, and engrossing with every page. Each chapter makes you want to keep reading. A real page turner!

I agree with another reviewer who said that heroine was so infuriating. I got so tired of her refusing help and going off on her own without any preplanning that I put it down for a few days. I decided to give it another chance, and she does it twice within the first three pages after I picked it up. I wanted to give it only one star because this kept happening over and over but I admit I manged to read it to the end so I added a star for my interest in it.

However, I do not like the heroine and will not be reading any more books in the series.

I really can't decide between 3 and 4 stars. The whole immature princess (scion) who moans and groans about having to do her duty while being beautiful, powerful, and loved is a real turn off to me. It's also a bit heavier on the romance/sex than I generally like.

But, it was fairly unique and builds an interesting magical world (on modern day earth), so I almost liked it. Not enough to read the next one though.

Love this book, beginning to end. Refreshing to find a new fantasy series full of magic with characters and story that you cannot put down. Well written and does not drone on and on with dull detail to fill the pages.

After you get into the flow of the story, the storyline itself carries you forward. There are disconcerting places, such as the author's or editor's note to self about the static when she is with Frankie and missing words in the sentence, all of which are in the first half of the story.
The story itself is a young 24 year old who grows up in essence within a royal family. The Dolphin throne is over a magical society living in the world around us and manipulating the four elements of earth, wind, air and fire. She is stubborn and feisty and believes she knows all, though is cautioned that "she does not see" and that "knowledge is power". Throw in a demon trying to drain her powers and some enigmatic daemons who want to make deals without her understanding all facts and consequences and you have the cusp of the storyline. She is being urged by the threatened Dolphine throne to create and to do that she has to mate with more than two others so the offspring will be a magical mix of all. This sounds interesting enough to wonder about the next generation.

Is this a young adult novel? Is there any way that the store advertise that BEFORE one downloads it? I hate stupid protagonists who spend pages and pages making the same stupid argument while the clock is ticking on some apocalyptic event. You KNOW that the supposedly simple pickup is going to turn out bad. I know, without having to read past chapter 2 that Alex betrays her. It's juvenile stuff. Please make that clear.

The story itself drew me in and has kept me reading. I will address an issue very common to many writers. Please double check if you are unsure of a word. You and many others do not know the difference between reign and rein. The verb, to rein, is to pull something in. The noun, rein, is used on a bridle going from the bit to the riders hands. It is used to guide, not as a handle. Reign, on the other hand, is the term of leadership of royalty or an emperor. Over and over I see reign used when rein is the needed word. Perhaps play vocabulary games more often

This book was a twist of magical beauty,I was completely in awe of this story.
I was swept away in to the world of the xannon house that was controlled by one woman one keeper tied to the the earth element water connected to the ocean as one.
The other earth elements that play out there roles throughout the story all have incredible background stories that bring this together. With each clue and choice something new begins and decisions have to be made.
I'm just going to say this is a rip snorta of a book there is nothing else to say but your missing out if you have not let yourself loose on this story.
I'm impressed and hooked!

Assassins Reading Reviewing Group ~

I can't tell you how many times I put this book down and wasn't even going to finish reading it. So, why a 4-star review? The author has obvious talent but, her heroine is a Rich, Whiney, Privileged, Entitled little Bitch that has everything, including magic but, she makes stupid choices time after time while complaining, "I never wanted any of this." No, she wants to spend her days on her family's private beach. This is exactly the kind of book that makes me hesitate reading action books written by female authors. Although, there are plenty of female authors I enjoy, THIS book is definitely a "Chick" book. I definitely won't be ready anymore of this series.

This book caught me up from the first chapter, I absolutely love the character development, the magic.. the romance. Its everything I could possibly want in a book. I am so looking forward to reading more about this family and hopefully finding out more about the dolphin throne and what it all means.. I totally recommend this book to anyone!

I enjoyed this book. It was a break away from what seems normal these days of Vampires and Werewolves. This was a story that captured my interest from the beginning all the way to the end. It was great to get to know Tarian and her struggle with being her own person and her duty to her family. Thank you for a great read.

It is not easy to followed the lines with one stubborn girl's personal expedition. So much gift and privilege are wasted until she is finally found out her destiny that has been right in front of her. It reminds me how stupid the human being is in general. Or so difficult is life as everyone else. Being stubborn can be a huge fall-out for her. There is something unique and ancient like a reset button all over again. I cannot say that it is throughly enjoyable, nonetheless, it is an interesting story after all.

Melinda Vanlone has created a special world in this book, not only is it full of magic and adventure, but it's believable. There's a strong female heroine, a storyline that makes you keep reading on, a unique take on magic and a touch of romance. What more could a reader want? Loved it and can't wait to find out what all these changes are going to bring next.

This book was an amazing read. I enjoyed every page. Very well written. Great story that I could keep up with. The characters were great. I'm very glad I read this book. I highly recommend reading ' Stronger Than Magic'. A must add to your tbr list.

The title of this book explains a lot after you read it.
Tarian the main character goes through so much to deal with multiple adversaries, herself included. The strength she has to do what needs to be done is one worth remembering. This book was so hard to put down but when I had to I went back at the next opportunity. It draws you in and keeps you on your toes.

Excellent story, good plot, strong believable characters. Very little bad language. Could use a better proof reader, but not to many errors. Thanks for a great read.

Very good story with a strong plot, believable characters, and well described settings. Could use a better proof reader, but enjoyable over all. Thank you for a great read.

Mrs Vanlone did a wonderful job at keeping my attention through out the whole book, so for that thank you very much. The author has an amazing way of making you feel as though you are in the story, that kind of talent is very rare, so thank you again.

This book was an amazing read. I enjoyed every page. Very well written. Great story that I could keep up with. The characters were great. I'm very glad I read this book. I highly recommend reading ' Stronger Than Magic'. A must add to your tbr list.

The title of this book explains a lot after you read it.
Tarian the main character goes through so much to deal with multiple adversaries, herself included. The strength she has to do what needs to be done is one worth remembering. This book was so hard to put down but when I had to I went back at the next opportunity. It draws you in and keeps you on your toes.

Excellent story, good plot, strong believable characters. Very little bad language. Could use a better proof reader, but not to many errors. Thanks for a great read.

Very good story with a strong plot, believable characters, and well described settings. Could use a better proof reader, but enjoyable over all. Thank you for a great read.

Mrs Vanlone did a wonderful job at keeping my attention through out the whole book, so for that thank you very much. The author has an amazing way of making you feel as though you are in the story, that kind of talent is very rare, so thank you again.

The main character Tarian in the storyline was so in realistic and captivating at the same time. Reminding me that this author really knows the human mind. Each relationship and magical adventure had me looking around a corner for the next thing. Beautifully written.

I really enjoyed the book, for me it started slow at times I thought of putting it down. I am very glad I continued, our heroine grew as the story progressed. This is a very well written coming of age story with twists and turns that at times were expected and others not so much. I can't wait to read more.

Seriously, I wanted to hate this. Because it's Urban Fantasy that completely ignores the "urban" part. They have magical battles right out in the open. They teleport all over with no apparent concern about being seen. Their power levels and spells seem arbitrary and have no coherent system to explain them. She lives in a castle on a private island that isn't apparently part of any modern country, but everyone can This is all stuff I detest as juvenile and overdone and that hasn't been entertaining since Bewitched went off the air.

And side from that, the writing felt odd besides. Not bad or full of typos or anything like that. I can't really be sure exactly why, so it's hard to explain, but it felt to me as though different scenes were written by different people. That isn't really all that big a negative but it just left me a weird feeling, which takes away from theexperience a bit.

But in spite of all that I found the book to be a satisfying read after all. It starts a bit rough as the opening scenes seem to lack some element needed to hold the interest. Possibly in the area of description and visual cues. But the plot progresses naturally and the heroine's actions all make sense. That's actually something rare although it sounds fairly minor. There are a lot of things that will throw me out of a book and make me think "well a real person would have…" or "I would have written this differently". Almost every book gets me like that at least once, and most have more than a few infractions. This one just didn't ever fall into that pit at all. The characters were set up well and acted believably according to their individual traits.

The world of the book was, on the surface, rather un-craftily designed. But even in this regard there was some evidence of true creativity. The distinction made between Daemons and demons interested me (one being the source of all magic and the other being an evil abomination). The Carraig Daemons were written well from a character perspective, which was probably difficult as they are a hive-mind that communicates telepathically and mostly through images. Most of the world seemed uninspired but the few pearls that were there were fun to find.

And it ends well. That is important for me. It's a part of a series so still somewhat open ended, but the adventure that is the main part of the plot resolves completely. The plot being that she has been attacked by a demon who attempts to use her blood in ritual that will allow him to completely dominate her will. She must find the demon and stop, banish,or kill him before it is too late. Along the way she is forced to make deals with several powerful beings to get what she needs. The long term effects of those deals isn't resolved but the domination issue is over and done by the end of the book. A more or less perfect ending for a series' book one.

Overall, the gist of it is that I enjoyed the characterization and personal interactions in the book and the plot was well done, but the worldbuilding was lacking in flair. Still more good than bad though. So I did enjoy it and would hope to see more from this author.

What a great read! I got this on my Nook (sorry Kindle!) and I just couldn't put it down. I had to read all of it before going to bed, it's THAT good of a book. I love reading. Truly nothing better than curling up in your favorite spot and either opening a book or a digital reader device and lose yourself in the characters, scenery and plot. I have well over 2,000 nook books--have read several hundred of them so far.

I have probably about 1,000 or more actual books you can touch as well. Reading truly takes you places and this book brings a breath of fresh air to science fiction/fantasy genre. The characters are likable, great world building & the fact that it has all kinds of magic in it along with elements such as fire, water & earth, kind of like "The Avatar" but with a twist? Makes a truly epic story. You can clearly see in your mind exactly what the author's saying when she's taking you into her characters environments.

Buy this book if you're into sci-fi/fantasy/animal/water/time traveling/etc.... Hell, just buy the book period. You won't be disappointed!

Tarian, a daughter to the queen on the throne, has a rare ability to track demons and she relished this dangerous job in spite of her firstborn status. Her royal duties required that she has sex with 3 guys, either of her choice or by the court, and get pregnant during the ritual. She will become the queen, a position that she has no interest in and thought that her younger sister would be perfect. She met this guy during fighting with a demon which took her blood and it turned out that the demon will be able to control her, and in turn, the throne as well and she was fighting the time to kill the demon before she becomes its puppet!

I read this a while ago and it took me a couple weeks to read it, which mean that it doesn't strongly appeal to me as I thought and wished it would. It's my favorite kind of book with a heroine who has bigger woes than an average human like her royal duties to produce a heiress by breeding with a random guy. The storyline definitely kept me motivated to finish the book. Overall, I did enjoy the book when I completed it. I will continue to the next book in its series. I just wished that the dialogue or interaction between characters didn't feel stiff to me (I'm sure people disagree with me, but that's how I felt as a reader of this book), which was one of the reason why I couldn't give it a 5 star. Other than that, I still enjoy the book and look forward to the next book when I have a chance!

Our main character, Tarian, is quite the reluctant princess in this entertaining read from author Melinda VanLone. She's much happier being a 'tomboy' type (bounty hunting, fighting, and hanging with the guys), than studying and learning about her role as heir to the throne, called a Scion in their matriarchal society. She's a bit of a know-it-all and thinks herself invincible. (Forgivable since she's only 24. I was an invincible know-it-all when I was 24, too.) Until a trap is sprung and a demon takes a swipe at her and scores himself some princess bood. We all know that can't be good. And so begins the mystery. Who set our beloved Scion up, and why? Good story line, great characters, and my new favorite kind of book--the kind that is happy to just be a book!!! No extraneous characters introduced and no cliff-hanger ending trying to coerce you into buying future installments. I will happily read more of this author's work. I was given a free copy for an honest review.

Tarian is in line for the Dolphin Throne, currently held by her mother, but she isn't too excited about someday completing the ancient Succession Ritual and assuming her role as the next Keeper. Tarian's time table, however, is moved up after an attack by a demon-like creature sets in motion a ticking clock. She must harness the forces of magical energy inside her, complete the ritual, and fend off the villain who wishes to take the throne from her family.

The novel's setting is modern-day, but the author weaves a magical tale with ancient historical origins and interesting abilities relating to the four elements of air, fire, water, and earth and thrusts the reader into a world of make-believe that seems entirely real. Despite the amazing imagination involved here, I brought into the premise completely, feeling like this world truly could exist.

Meanwhile, the 24-year-old Tarian is just the sort of heroine you want to read about and root for. She is ultimately responsible for maintaining peace in the kingdom and aches to do the right thing, but she's also challenged by her impulsiveness, lack of understanding, and external forces fighting against her. She must learn to understand herself, friends and family around her, the evil that exists in her midst, and yeah, how she feels about the couple of sexy guys taking aim at her heart.

A thoroughly enjoyable read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in order to review it.
This story certainly deserves the 4 stars, but there is one part of the story that is holding me back from giving it 5, the succession ritual. The characters are good and the story moves well, but that one part holds me back. I am also unsure as to why the main character is so antagonistic to the people around to help her. There were times I wanted to shake her and tell her to grow up.

Overall, the story is really good (except for that one small part). I liked the concept and the speed of the story. I especially liked that while I guessed who one of the bad guys was, I did not how they were intertwined or who the other bad guys were.

I would recommend this to anybody who likes the paranormal romance/mystery stories, especially if they like the magic oriented ones.

I truly was not sure what to expect when I seen this book. It was given to me for an honest review. I sat back and decided to read it and see if I liked it. It is a Paranormal, which I like, modern day, which I don't like, and magical, which I like. I was a bit worried, it being modern day and all that I wont like it at all. BUT low and behold I loved this book. It has everything you want in a book. It keeps you glued to the pages. It's not boring and it is well done. The story itself is fun. I mean you can see yourself as this young lady. Magic, murder, deception, mystery. And the best thing (for me at least) a quest. Yes I am happy I read this book. I am now on to the next story in this line.

The storyline, the plot, the characters...they were all REAL and BELIEVABLE...I was hooked from the start! I can't wait to read the rest of the series! If you enjoy fantasy, magic and suspense, you will thoroughly enjoy The House of Xannon series!!

This book starts out kinda slow but after you get into it, it keeps you reading, a bit of repeated info in several places but still a good read. The story line itself is definitely different. The main character is a young female who knows what she wants yet what she is born to do will get in her way. most people will be able to relate to this story on several levels even though it is fiction I could take the characters and be reminded of people in my life. you have the highly protective mom, the overly protective best friend and the main character is just a young woman trying to find her calling but everything seems to be getting in her way.
Won on Goodreads

Recommend to young adult and adult readers alike!

This review had to be shortened to meet the store's maximum word count. For the full review and more, please visit markedbybooks.blogspot.com

The thing that I liked the most about it was that it always kept me guessing. Melinda would throw me little crumbs of information at a time that would lead my thoughts in a certain direction, but then I would pick up on another trail that sent me in a completely different one. I wouldn't say that anything was unexpected because my brain had be exploring every option since the beginning, just that I wasn't sure which one would be true.

In a way, I kinda hated having to do that. Not in any way is that a problem with the book, just that I'm not a huge fan of having to question everybody's loyalties. And by everybody, I do mean everybody. Daric, Alex, Calliope, even Tarian's mother at one point in time. I just hated having to consider the possibility that they were actually out to get Tarain.

My favorite character wasn't actually one character, but many: the archivists. At least towards the end when they weren't being bratty and actually decided to help. There was just something so cool about those little guys and how they all shared the same consciousness, even if they did tend to have a bit on an attitude. I really hope they're explored more in later books.

Tarain herself I liked a lot more than I expected to. At the beginning, I was on the same boat as Daric and thought she was a tad spoiled, always used to getting her way and never having to face a problem she couldn't blow right through. I'm not saying that she's some high and mighty pampered princess because that's not her at all. She is just very powerful, and she knew it, so there was no need for her to ever think that she might fail.

But she grew up a lot as the novel progressed, and it was very believable too. She didn't just wake up one morning and say, "Today's the day I'm going to be responsible." No, if she tried that, it would probably last ten minutes before someone tried to shove her in a dress, stick her in a room full of men, and she'd say, "Screw it," and leave.

Instead, she learned through her mistakes, like real people do. She messes up many, many times, and rushes into things without thinking more often than not. But sooner or later she figures it out, and she does start to mature. She grows into her responsibilities as a leader and as a possible mother, without anything seeming too fake. Because, like every else Tarain does, it's done her way, on her terms, and in her own sweet time.

Taylor

This review had to be shortened to meet the store's maximum word count. For the full review and more, please visit markedbybooks.blogspot.com

I received a complimentary copy as a part of a book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review.

A reluctant heir to the Dolphin Throne, a demon on the loose with plans to seize the thrown, a magical P.I. attracted to the heir and the triggering of a Succession Ritual, all play a part in Melinda VanLone's Stronger Than Magic, the first book in the House of Xannon series. With a likable "take no prisoners" heroine, a trio of potential mates and a magical mystery which must be solved, this urban fantasy grabbed my attention from the first page and kept me turning the pages. Taking place both in the magical and physical realms, this is a strong start to this new series.

Trying to control as much of her life as she can, Tarian Xannon is the reluctant heir to the Dolphin Throne. When a routine locate and capture turns into a battle with a demon, Tarian suddenly finds herself in a battle for the throne and with an escalating Succession Ritual to complete. Refusing to have sex with three random magical strangers chosen by the throne, Tarian is determined to locate the demon who stole a taste of her blood in an attempt to get power over her and the potential heir. Falling in love with one of her potential mates wasn't a part of her plan.

Magically strong, independent and a modern woman, Tarian has always had issues with the rules and regulations in her life. Hoping to get a chance to change things, Tarian is infuriated at what's taking place in her life. Determined to protect her family from danger, and possibly losing the thrown, Tarian is determined to do things her own way. Forced to rely on others, Tarian finds herself making choices she had hoped to avoid. Ms. VanLone did a good job developing Tarian's character; at the start Tarian is stubborn, determined to do things her own way and disdainful of the rules and traditions from the past. As the battle heats up and she's forced to rely on the help of others; Tarian realizes her "independence" has resulted in magical ignorance and emotional distance.

Will the new men in Tarian's life help her fight off the demon's attempt at the throne? And just who will she chose to be the father's of the next heir to the throne? You'll have to read Stronger Than Magic to find out. I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading what happens next.

I have enjoyed reading the story with its twists and turns in the worlds of magic and mayhem. I liked the development of the characters, the suspense in the plot and the creative way the author has written of new facets of magical worlds. Look forward to reading more of the series.

I enjoyed this book. It was creative and it held my attention. The characters were well-developed and the storyline while sometimes a little confusing lent to the intrigue and final conclusion . Worth reading on any rainy afternoon . Kudos to the author.

This book is compulsive reading! Once you begin it you just have to continue until you've finished it. It's a fantastic story. The author is truly gifted. Then that's not enough and you need to look into buying the next book as soon as possible. I'll also be looking into other books written by this exceptionally gifted story weaver.

Initially it was difficult for me to get into this book, which sometimes happens but I push through and finish. I'm so glad I did! Though the writing was a bit scattered and I had to go back a few times to make connections to references, I really enjoyed the story as a whole.