REVIEW: The Priestess Trilogy- Defiance, Betrayal & Eclipse By Melissa Sasina

Shiovra has been named High Priestess of the village Tara, but she quickly finds herself hunted by the Milidh, a clan born of war and vengeance. With the safety of Tara at stake, it is decided that she is to seek aid from her betrothed, one she considers the enemy. 

At her side is Odhrán, a Milidh warrior sworn to protect her and determined to gain her trust. But their journey is fraught with peril and Shiovra learns that darkness lurks in the hearts of her own kin. 

Steeped in ancient Irish myth, this tale is spun of love, war, and DEFIANCE.

EXCERPT

Shiovra began to follow, but Odhrán stepped in front of her. She took a step back in surprise and he took another forward. Taking another back, she quickly found she was against the wall.

He regarded her quietly a moment, then said, “I understand that your thoughts of me are not always the best. You often distrust me, even hate me, and for the most part…you appear to fear me.”

Shiovra looked away under his questioning gaze.

Odhrán stepped closer, reaching a hand out and catching a lock of her hair in his hand.

Her breath hitched in her throat.

“My duty is to protect you and keep you safe,” he said letting the strands slip through his fingers as he leaned towards her. “Allow me to show you that not all Milidh are the same.”

Shiovra met his gaze, trying to calm the beating of her heart. The man was closer than she would have desired, but she could not manage to move away.

“Odhrán.”

Shiovra reflexively flinched at the cold undertone of Daire’s voice. She looked over Odhrán’s shoulder to find her cousin approaching with Meara and Eiladyr following.

“May I speak with you a moment?” asked Daire.

Odhrán glanced over his shoulder and nodded. Turning back to the priestess, he leaned close, his voice low as he spoke in her ear, “Please keep my words in mind.”

This was a great start to an amazing three part series. If you love dark love stories with some sass this is a must read for you.

It keeps you on your toes guessing what will happen next to the town.How Shiovra can protect the town of Tara through everything that is going on including finding a gorgous warrior that she learns she is attracted to.

I fell in love with all the irish aspects of this novel.

4 stars

Shiovra, High Priestess of the village Tara, is set to wed one considered the enemy for the sake of her clan. Torn between her heart and her people, between love and duty, Shiovra decides her fate and faces the truth about Odhrán. 

Still hunted by both the Milidh clan and her own kin, she learns that not all enemies are quite what they seem. 

Loyalty is brought into question and power lost within enemy ranks in what shall ultimately lead to one thing: BETRAYAL.

This was wonderful so very well written. 

Its such a new aspect to problems for Shiovra. Dealing with a wedding that she doesnt want just to save her clan. Her struggles and pains she goes through i completely understand. 

Oh the betrayal that will happen in this story you will not even believe.

4 stars

Tensions escalate between two clans, threatening their fragile peace. On one side stand the Túath, on the other the Milidh. The prize: control of the land of Éire. Yet amidst this brewing conflict, another more dangerous threat looms. The village of Tara is ripped apart, not by war, but by the seed of betrayal as the priestess' own kinswoman, Gráinne, conspires to seize control. Enemies shall become allies and Shiovra is faced with a difficult choice, one that will ultimately engulf her world in an irreversible eclipse.

This is such a wonderful conclusion to this beautiful series. Its such a wonderful fantasy book series. 

I really love Shiovra's character. She goes through so much in this final chapter.

If you love the first two this last novel will amaze you.

It brought me to tears reading what happens to Shiovra and the town of Tara.

4 stars

 Born in 1982 in Cleveland, Ohio, Melissa has always been an avid lover of fantasy. In her youth she would write short stories and add artwork to them. While in high school, she decided to change her career path from graphic art to writing, though she still enjoys drawing up a random picture or two, usually of her characters. During her younger school years, she won a Young Authors Honorable Mention for a short story she had written. She has also won a few Visual Arts awards during her school years and upon graduation from High School, she was given a President's award for Outstanding Academic Achievement.

The first book she began to write seriously for publication was The Priestess. Completed in 2008, the book was separated into a trilogy and published in 2010. After undergoing heavy revisions, the trilogy was re-released beginning in 2012.

Melissa still lives in Ohio with her husband, son, cat Trinity, and ferret Rope