Broken Dove by Kristen Ashley Also in this series: Wildest Dreams, The Golden Dynasty, Fantastical
Series: Fantasyland #4
Published by Kristen Ashley on April 6, 2016
Genres: Fantasy Romance
Narrator: Tillie Hooper
Length: 23 Hours and 3 Mins
Pages: 692
Format: eBook, Audiobook
Source: Library
ISBN: 0692619364
Far too young, Apollo Ulfr lost Ilsa, his wife, the love of his life and the mother of his two children. The grief of her loss does not settle in his soul, it solders to it. But when he discovers there is a parallel universe where his wife may have a twin, he feels there's hope and sets about bringing her to his world so he can have her back.But Ilsa Ulfr of our world is married to the parallel universe's twin, Pol, who is not a good man. Not in any way. She's on the run from him and the last thing she wants is to be transported to a fantastical world and be forced to take his side as his wife, even if he is not Pol. And Apollo finds the broken Ilsa nothing like his beloved, and further, wants nothing to do with her.But darkness is looming and evil is amassing. Apollo must protect his land and keep his family safe, including the new Ilsa.
Broken Dove is the fourth installment in the “Fantasyland” series by Kristen Ashley. Whew .,….this was a LONG book but a satisfying romance that curled my toes from beginning to end. I think this is the longest book I have read from this author but I had a blast. I switched from listening and reading this one, and BOTH versions are superb. The narrator chosen for this was fantastic, so if you love audiobooks, definitely check this one out, I promise you won’t be disappointed. There is so much to pack here and so many things I love and some things I struggled with at times.
Our story starts off, with our heroine Madeline (Maddie) who in our universe, is on the run from her husband who is abusive, controlling, and a drug dealer and a powerful man. And for years she has been on her own, trying to find her own peace. But now he has found her again. But right when she thinks all is lost for her, a man who looks somewhat like her husband but isn’t…..with a sword and cape comes in and saves her and whisks her away to his parallel world of magic, mystery and danger. Apollo lost his wife (a look alike of Maddie) and she left behind two children he has been raising on his own. When he hears that his late wife’s twin from the other world’s life is in danger, he does everything he can to save her and bring her to his world to protect her. Apollo isn’t exactly sure what his plans are concerning Maddie, only knowing he has this driving need to protect her. Their relationship starts out rocky, but both Maddie and Apollo find common ground, and a love so strong no force can break their bond. But they will be both tested, but along the way they build a family of love, unity and courage…
WHOZAH!! This book completely blew me away in many ways and I have to say I was really hoping I could give this a five star, but unfortunately, I am unable to do so. The first third of the book was a bit slow at times, which does happen with some of these fantasy books from Ashley. I am not sure if its just me, but I seem to struggle getting into them for some reason and I LOVE fantasy so its odd. But oh well, I still fall in love with these stories and “Broken Dove” is no different. I truly adored seeing Apollo and Maddie find their path in this book and it definitely had many rocky moments especially in the beginning. This book is a roller coaster though and takes the reader on quite an adventure.
Some time ago, a man filled with sorrow handed me a bag filled with hope. Those stones were in that bag. He knew, as I knew and now you know, even as he paid for the chance to have it again that love is priceless, love is worth every battle fought, every wound endured. He knew, as you now know, ma colombe, that love is everything.
Both Apollo and Maddie are such strong-willed characters and so its natural for those type of personalities to clash. They are also complete opposites from each other and so different and so we see them trying to work through their differences and that is what made their relationship truly sing in so many ways. We see them not only struggle in their relationship but also build something with Apollo’s two children. Its definitely not an easy road for either of them, but they find their ways to work through the challenges that come their way and conquer them.
Love like you build with Miss Madeleine is as she is. It is not of this world. Not of her world. It is beyond the worlds. It is beyond anything
Overall I found “Broken Dove” to be a stellar ride of a romance, that gives the reader a heartfelt tale of epic adventure, barrels of laughs and delights and a sensual love story to keep you enthralled!!
About Kristen Ashley
Kristen Ashley was born in Gary, Indiana, USA. She nearly killed her mother and herself making it into the world, seeing as she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck (already attempting to accessorise and she hadn't taken her first breath!).
Kristen grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana but has lived in Denver, Colorado and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.
Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multi-generational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland and existed amongst the strains of Glenn Miller, The Everly Brothers, REO Speedwagon and Whitesnake (and the wardrobes that matched).
Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music, clothes and love was a good way to grow up.
And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.
0 Comments