Blog Tour Stop - The Prophecy by Erin Albert

Back Cover

Growing up on a small farm in the kingdom of Vanguard, seventeen-year-old Layla Givens lives a deceptively tranquil existence. But her carefully constructed life quickly falls apart when she’s abducted by a religious zealot who proclaims her The Fulfillment of an ancient peace prophecy and whisks her away to marry her greatest enemy.

Wilhelm, Prince of the Ethereals, is reluctant to meet his new bride. He's grown up believing Vanguards are evil, an enemy to fight and fear...not love. Can he set aside his prejudices and work alongside Layla to bring lasting peace after centuries of war?

Nash, a loner who has never fit in, carries a huge secret, one big enough to destroy both kingdoms. When he accidently meets Layla, he’s no longer content to live in the shadows, but he must resist his growing attraction—for her safety and for the longevity of the two kingdoms.

When Nash's secret is revealed, a firestorm sweeps through both realms, with Layla at the center. Now she must choose between duty and desire while the fate of two nations hangs in the balance.

Erin Albert is an author and fitness trainer.  Since she picked up Morris the Moose Goes to School at age four, she has been infatuated with the written word.  She went on to work as a grammar and writing tutor in college and is still teased by her family and friends for being a member of the "Grammar Police."  In her free time, Erin enjoys acting, running, kickboxing, and, of course, reading and writing. 

Find me online:

Preorder Link: https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/our-authors/50-our-authors/authors-a/381-erin-albert

Twitter:  @ErinAlbertBooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Erin-Albert-Books/182769448541270

Website:  www.erinalbertbooks.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18160774-the-prophecy

Excerpt

            Even though she had no chance to escape now, Layla shoved the Elder with all her might. The blow sent him flying into the baker’s door, which splintered under the force, and she darted forward.  The Vanguard soldiers moved to block her. 

            “We are all Vanguards,” she pleaded. “Please let me go.”

            For a moment, they hesitated.  Layla used the opening to slip around them.  She ran as fast as her legs would carry her, but they proved to be too slow.  Within moments, the soldiers leapt upon her, knocking her to the ground.  Wrenching Layla up by her hair, they dragged her back to the Elder, whose face now bled from his encounter with the baker’s door.

            “I see you’re going to be trouble.” He brushed the dirt off his robes.  “You can’t escape your destiny, girl.”

Review

I've been excited to read this book ever since getting to know Erin on Twitter! 

When Layla goes to the market with her friend Samson, the last thing she expects is to be kidnapped by the Ecclesiastics, who see her purple eyes as a sign that she may be able to fulfil their prophecy. Sent away to marry the son of an enemy to bring peace between the Vanguards and the Ethereals as her duty to the First Ones, she falls in love with her betrothed’s brother, Nash. Layla and her betrothed, Wilhelm, have to put aside their feelings and prejudices for the sake of peace, before war erupts between the two kingdoms.

I love the idea of the Vanguards having unnatural strength whilst the Ethereals have the ability to influence thoughts and memories, and the role these abilities play in the plot. The fantasy world is well-thought-out with a Game of Thrones-esque vibe to the scheming groups and arranged marriages. I’m really interested in the other groups, the Ecclesiastics and the Outlanders, and am looking forward to finding out more about them in the coming sequels.

A must-read for fans of action-packed fantasy with romance and great characters, The Prophecy is a fantastic start to a new trilogy and I’m eagerly awaiting the next book!

Rating: ****