Review: The Alliance of Isian (Isian #2) by Serena Clarke

 

The Alliance of Isian (The Isian Series Book 2)  by Serena Clarke
Published: November 4th 2013 by Red Mountain Shadows Publishing, 219 pages
Source: I received a copy in exchange for an honest review

Description: War is coming and all the kingdoms must choose a side. Isian decides to make an alliance with their long time enemies in order to defeat a common enemy. So Isian sends a proposal, offering their daughter to the prince, in order to ensure an alliance.
Princess Gabrielle and her new husband, Prince Alec must learn to work together and trust each other in order to triumph in the approaching war.
With a mysterious beast attacking the kingdom, their lives in danger, and overcoming their vast cultural differences, will love grow despite their trials or tear them apart?

Enjoy the fantasy, danger, mystery, and romance!

My Review: I love a good story with an arranged marriage in it--especially if it involves royalty. How could I not love this one? Gabrielle is offered up to marry handsome Prince Alec in order to forge an alliance that will help in the coming war. Their relationship progresses slowly and naturally and I really enjoyed watching it unfold. 

Gabrielle wants to be loved, but she remembers the prince from her younger years and always thought of him as a playboy. I know I would have a hard time getting over those memories and she wasn't any different. I can't imagine being thrown (forced) into a new situation like that. I thought she did a good job of making the best of her situation. 

Gabrielle's kingdom uses magic and Alec's does not. In fact, he is quite opposed to it. I loved watching them give and take, working out their differences, as any married couple would do.

I loved the mystery and adventure and thought there was just the right amount of fantasy. Of course, my favorite parts were the romance. I loved how kind and gracious this couple was and how they worked together to find a solution to the problems at hand. I really liked the first book, but I loved this one! So far, they just keep getting better! I'm excited to see that there will be another book...at least, there had better be. It ended on a slight cliffhanger.  

Content: no language; mild fighting (attempted murder and kidnapping); romantic kissing between a married couple. Clean!

 

Goodreads  *  Amazon  *  B&N

About the Author:
Serena has a Bachelors Degree in Graphic Design and is a member of the Red Mountain Shadows Publishing team. She is passionate about learning, reading, art, and design. She enjoys designing her book covers as much as writing her books.