Saturday, March 6, 2010

Review - Tortured



Title: Tortured
Author: Amanda McIntyre
Publishing Date: 2009
Genre: Historical (Erotic)
Rating: B-
Sensuality: Hot
Book Disclosure: I purchased this book new.

Tortured takes place during the Dark Ages after the Romans pulled out of Britannia. Sierra works as an apprentice to an executioner. She was forced to this position as a twelve year old after she witnessed the rape and death of her mother. Six years have passed and Sierra has managed to survive by take each day at a time. When her master has captured a rebel soldier, he orders Sierra to work him over for information. Only Sierra is drawn to Dryston and they formulate a plan to escape.

I picked out this book because Amanda McIntyre will be at the RT Convention this year and also because it was set in a time period other than the standard Regency that is so prevalent today. I will admit I was a little worried that there would be too much written about the torture. Plus, this book is published by the Harlequin Spice line and it is an "Erotic Novel" and that means I might not get my happy ever after. Fortunately I needn't have worried. Although, the reality of life was very hard back then, the author didn't dwell on it and managed to balance the dark with the light.

I really thought that the author did a good job with making the characters ring true to the time period. The reader will feel like they have traveled back in time. The political upheaval made for very desperate and uncertain times. The reader will feel the characters desperation, yet underneath is a sense of longing and hope.

I did have some problems with Tortured. Sierra has learned that in order to survive she has to contain her feelings. To reveal them might be her death. It would have been nice to see Sierra really break through these emotional bonds, especially by the end of the story. When Sierra goes back to confront her captor with all the animosity she felt towards him, the ending seemed anti-climatic because Sierra never really loses control emotionally. Also, I never really bought into the passion between Sierra and Dryston. I felt like something was missing and this could again lead back to Sierra's emotional disconnection.

Here is what others had to say:

Rebyj's Reading
All I Want and More
Cheeky Reads
Romance Book Wyrm

This book can be purchased in print or kindle format from Amazon.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed your review!!! The book sounds good, I will definitely have to put it on my bookshelf of books to read!! Thanks!

nath said...

Interesting review, Jill. The time period is what would definitively make this book stand out... and I like the cover. However, not sure if I'd enjoy it. I like my characters to thaw if they are emotionally cold :P

Cecile Smutty Hussy said...

Very nice review. This is one of my favorite authors and one of my favorite books by her. Oh my gosh thanks for the link up on the review.

Jill D. said...

Queen of Romance - Hey! Thanks for stopping by. I am always happy to hear when a review influences a reader. I hope you enjoy Tortured!

Nath - The time period is definitely what stood out for me in Tortured. I just wish I would have felt more emotion coming from Sierra. I might try another book by this author. You can tell she really researched for the book.

Cecile - What other books by McIntyre would you recommend? I think I would like to try something else by her. Any favorites you have? Any you are very welcome on the link :)

Cecile Smutty Hussy said...

She is the Winter's Desire ~ her story is Winter Awakening. And I have to read The Dairy of Cozette. That is in my TBR pile. But I love her writing style. She is one of the few authors who I actually feels like they put in the story with the characters. Like I could feel the dingy, grimy cell of a room Sierra was in. You could feel the air thick and you could feel the contempt which Lord Aeglech projects. So, her writing style is something that I love. Thanks for letting me share!

Jill D. said...

Cecile - Thanks for the recomendations. I'll be sure to check them out. Also, I will have a chance to meet her at the RT Convention this year!

Cecile Smutty Hussy said...

I am very jealous of you!!!!!!!! I sooo want to go!!
Well, if you come over to my place, you will see that she will be over and we will be highlighting her new novel... The Master and The Muse.

You must take pictures to share!

Genella deGrey said...

Jill - Amanda is wonderful - I know you'll love her!
Be sure to say hi to me, too! ;)
Hugs -
G.

Jill D. said...

Hey Genella!!

I am so excited for RT this year. That's great that you will be there again. I'll definitely be on the look out for you!