Heroes Come in Many Forms

I always think I can’t love Sarah Eden‘s books any more than I already do. The Merchant and the Rogue released yesterday, and I just have to say, I’m blown away by this book.

Vera Sorokina loves reading the penny dreadfuls and immersing herself in tales of adventure, mystery, and romance. Her own days are filled with the often mundane work of running the book and print shop she owns with her father.

Brogan Donnelly was born and raised in Ireland, but has lived in London for several years, where he’s built a career as a penny dreadful writer. He has dedicated himself to the plight of the poor with the help of his sister.

When Brogan and Vera’s paths cross, the attraction is both immediate and ill-advised. Vera knows from past experience that writers are never to be trusted, and Brogan has reason to suspect not everything at Vera’s print shop is aboveboard. When a growing criminal enterprise begins targeting their area of London, Brogan and Vera must work together to protect the community they’ve both grown to love. But that means they’ll need to learn to trust each other with dangerous secrets that have followed both of them from their home countries.

This story deserves all the praise! A lot of books are easily categorized. This book does all the things, romance, family, mystery, suspense, history. And does every one of them well.

I loved Vera and Brogan brilliant banter. Sarah’s wit is often more subtle. Which is harder to pull off, but more rewarding on the reader. I loved that their characters both complimented and pushed each other. Her character’s vulnerabilities and growth is always an impressive emotional journey for them and us.

Moirin and Brogan’s relationship was no less fulfilling. Their sibling love and teasing was genuine and deep. Sarah’s characters resonate and stick with you. I’ve heard more than one person hope that Moirin gets her own story. We can’t let these characters go because Sarah writes them in such a way that they become real to the reader.

Sarah is predominantly a romance writer, and she does it well. I’m coming to see that she’s also an accomplished mystery/suspense writer. I was decidedly creeped out on more than one occasion. The Dead Zoo people! I was captivated that she could not only write three stories in a story, but those stories could also reflect the story line in such a way that all three stories pull you through the plot and set the stage for what is to come. It’s a way of writing that creates something unbelievably delightful.

I loved the little historic details she inserted, tidbits that deepened not only the story line, but my appreciation for what the characters were experiencing and the world they inhabit. Add to that her fascinating descriptions and this series is no less than genius. The independent voices, the push and pull of tension. It really is an extraordinary read.

***** Low Language, Low Romance, Moderate Violence, Low Religion

There is a special offer of a fabulous swag bag for readers who purchase a copy of The Merchant and the Rogue during the first week of publication! You must purchase your copy the week of publication. No preorders will qualify.

Everyone who submits a copy of their receipt and fills out the form during the week of August 15-22 will receive The Merchant and the Rogue – Swag Bundle. Supplies are limited. Visit the Swag Bundle webpage for details.