Cherished is the third book in the Beholder series, and we start with Elea back home on Brannock Farm and trying once again to fit in with her neighbours. She has Phillipe with her this time though, and he tries to smooth things along as best he can. Phillipe has wanted things to change between himself and Elea, but she still sees him as her brother being as her heart still belongs to Rowan, even after everything. Of course, things happen that send Elea back to Rowan, where they find out just who exactly is working against them this time.

I want to talk so much about this, but I don't want to give out any spoilers! Suffice it to say, there are shocks galore in this book. People that had played a minor but significant role in the past, suddenly become players in the present, and not always on Elea's side. I loved Rowan and Elea in this book, as once again they prove that they are stronger together.

This is an amazing story that continues to grip and entice the reader into another world. Honestly can't wait for the next book in this series now, and I will keep on holding onto the HEA that I hope Elea and Rowan will get! Definitely recommended by me.

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

After having her heat broken by Rowan and losing her best friend Elea is so tired of magic and just wants to live the great life of a farmer on Braddock Farm. Braddock Farm was left to her by her parents when she was just a little baby. Elea has no member of her parents and the farm is the only thing she has from them. And with the Tsar and the Vicomte dead now Elea plans to do just that with the help of her new friend Philippe.

But someone wants Elea dead, a Creation Caster Shujaa. Shujaa wants to the King and rule over the Caster lands. But in order to be the king he must fight the ruling king to the death for the title and Elea will do everything in her power to keep this from happening even fighting as the king’s second.

I loved getting to meet Rowan’s family. I loved his little brother Jicho he is so cute and smart and loves his big brother Rowan very much. I also liked his other brother Kade as well. But his mom Zoriah now I wasn’t so fund of her she is sort of a b!tch who wants to be in control of everything and everyone.

I have loved reading all the books in the Beholder series up to now but I think that book 3 Cherished is so far my favorite. I loved the battle, the fight for the new king and all the spells that were used during the battle. Don’t get me wrong I really loved reading both Cursed book 1 and Concealed book 2. The reason that Cursed was not my favorite was because of Tristan’s betrayal and because of Rowan’s betrayal in Concealed. I still can’t believe that Rowan betrayed Elea like that with his engagement to her best friend Amelia. I am still mad at him a little bit about that but after reading book 3 Cherished he has made up for it somewhat. I can’t wait for the next book Crowned to see what journey Elea and Rowan take us on next. Who is being Crowned and for what?

If you have not read Cherished then I would like to be the first one to suggest that you do as it is out of this would amazing but I would suggest that you read Cursed and then Concealed before reading Cherished.

This is book 3 in the Beholder series. I read book 1 (Cursed) but missed book 2 (Concealed) . I had no problem picking up the thread of the series. Elea and Rowen team up again to return his kingdom to his rule. Rowan is a Castor and his enemies, including his mother and brother are trying to kill him. Elea has vowed to not use her Necromancer powers again and is happy on the small farm her parents left her but visions of Rowan losing his power has her rushing to his side. This is a nice teen, young adult fantasy novel. Adults will enjoy it too with the magic and creatures.

And so the adventure continues...

We join Elea back in her hometown struggling to find peace and happiness in her life as a farm girl. She continues to scare the townspeople with only Philippe for company- who occasionally gets her out of the house.


Suddenly in the middle of an incredibly dull ride to town, a Phantom dedicated to a mysterious Caster named Shuuja let's Elea know her master will kill her along with slowly killing her once beloved Rowen. Elea looks into the threat a bit...but ignores it for the most part, because hey, girls got stuff to do. Like going to the faire with a charming Philippe.

"Good. Now join the faire with me, like a good little matron of death."

Except trouble can't stay away from Elea -aka Shuuja- follows them to the faire and forces Elea's hand on who she needs to be in this moment: Bad-Ass Motha-Fucka Grand Mistress Necromancer.

"I did what any self-respecting Necromancer would do, especially one who didn't want to cast a spell in front of her neighbors. I took a deep breath and screamed at the top of my lungs. 'Run for your lives!'"

...the bad-assery is coming, I promise.

Elea is unexpectedly, albeit crazy excited, to jump into the world of necromancy in order to face this new threat, all of course while adamantly claiming she will always be a farm girl. Elea knows though, she cannot let things be. She cannot let Rowen die, even after his deep betrayal.

This third installment in the Beholder series was my favorite. I loved angst-ing along with Elea on what her feelings were for Rowen, as well as her conundrum of who she wanted to be (a necromancer) vs who she needed to be ( a farm girl).

Rowen, why did I doubt you? He always has his reasons, and while he does, I'm so happy Elea didn't forgive him immediately. ATTA GIRL! HOLD YOUR GROUND! Once they were together again, They worked so hard in this book to develop trust and show a unifying front for the castor people.

I also loved learning more about Rowen's family. Surprise after surprise hit me when it came to his family members. They were deliciously not as I would have expected them to be.

This book had it all. Love, friendship, frenemies, and most surprisingly, trusted loved ones performing the ultimate betrayals. Yes, there is more than on betrayal, and I quite honestly wasn't expecting the one on Elea's end. Elea and said person were thick as thieves and it was the one person I would truly never have expected. Now let me stop before I give anything away.

If you haven't read this series, READ IT. If you've read the first two books, READ THE THIRD!!

The third installment in the Beholder series, Cherished continues the magical adventure of the powerful necromancer Elea, and the mysteriously powerful caster Rowan as they attempt to prevent the end of the world. After saving the necromancers from extinction in the previous novel, Elea and Rowan get sucked right back into the action as a prophesy predicts the fall of Rowans kingdom and his own ultimate death. Trying to unravel the mystery and to save Rowan, Elea get pulled right into the thick of things and beings another fight to survive and save those that she loves. Through all of this, Elea will have to learn to trust and forgive, even after great lies and betrayal.

Similar to the other novels in the series, Cherished is an interesting and engaging story chock full of magic, betrayal and mystery. Elea and Rowan were once again both fun to read about and an engaging couple overall. The magic in this story is well developed and done. Readers can easily understand most of the limitations and rules to it, causing for a more concrete and well developed world. Plot wise, I would say that this was better then the last book in the series in some ways. It was a fresh new-ish adventure that readers could sink their teeth into. All in all, Cherished get the honest rating of FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS!!!

Cherished by Christina Bauer is the 3rd book from the Beholder series and is as exciting as the other two books that came before it. I've been reading from book 1 and it just keeps getting better and better.

Elea and Rowan had sent Viktor into exile at the end of the previous book and now Elea is trying to be a normal farm girl. However a threat had showed up near her farm and Elea had to resolve to using her Magick again, after she's sworn off it.

The only way to beat this threat was to team up with Rowan again and Elea really was very reluctant to do so. However, in the name of greater good, she would have to. While Elea spent her time at Rowan's castle, she got to know his family members especially his little brother Jicho, who was a very interesting character to say the least.

There was indeed some romance between Elea and Rowan but I wished there was more! Hopefully we will get more of that in the next book...

My Thoughts…

Note: Cannot be read as a standalone

Out of the 3 books in this series, this one is my favourite! Christina always impresses me with her storytelling abilities and I love that her protagonists are always strong women, who kick ass, like Elea!

This is a fabulous series but as I said, I think I really enjoyed this one because it has a little of everything. Lots of highs and lows, romance, and general bad-assery. (Yes, I’m making up a word. It’s my blog and I can do what I want!)

Great writing, interesting characters, and a storyline that continues to entrance. What more can you ask for? This review is short and sweet, because at this point it is too easy to reveal spoilers. So, I’m just going to go ahead and tell you that if you enjoy magic, romance and strong women, then you should give this series a go.

Rating… A

Rowan is dying. Though Elea is still hurt, she must put her feelings aside and do what's right for her world. A Changed One names Shujaa is after the positions of Tsar and Genesis Rex, interrupting Elea's quiet farm life. What must Elea learn to save herself and Rowan?

Cherished really is about self discovery. Elea must decide what she wants, rather than what others tell her she <i>should</i> do. Decisions much be made with care, and we soon discover that fortune telling isn't always correct and never to be afraid of the future because things can change and sometimes meanings are interpreted wrong.

Before, I was interested in a Rowan/Elea relationship. A chance meeting, similar interests, broken trust, teamwork. Now? They belong together, period. I say this because look at everything that has happened to them, everything they've gone through for each other. If that isn't enough for them both to deserve a happy ending, what is?

It only gets darker and darker and we venture further down the spiralling staircase, closer and closer to the origins of this world of Casters and Necromancers. Each book brings more revelations and explanations as to why things happen like so and the history of the mysterious powers many use but do not truly understand. If you like fantasy, Necromancy, adventure or mystery, the Beholder series will satiate your needs but leave you open mouthed and begging for more.

I didn't find the story quiiite as involving as in the previous books in this series, perhaps because the world-building was already in place. Just FYI, there's little time spent on the relationship between Elea and Rowan. I loved many of the plot points, however. Pitting the brothers against each other, genius. And I so loved the character of Jicho. I mean, what's not to love about a whip smart nine-year-old seer? Plus, there's a FEMALE villain you'll love to hate. And surprises abound. People you've slotted as good guys? Let me just say, don't count on it. All in all, plenty to like, and I can't wait for the sequel (finale?).

I’ve always loved Christina’s books, and I’ve been with her from the start. Unfortunately this series is just not the right one for me.

Elea has escaped to her farm in order to hide away from Petra, she does not wish to become Tsarina, against everyone’s wishes. When Elea receives a warning that there is a new enemy in town. The Shujaa is after Ronan’s power, and because of some prophecy Ronan is becoming weaker as the Shujaa gains strength. Elea must decide whether she retreats to the safety of the convent and becomes a Tsarina, or if she goes to save Rowan, the boy she’s still in love with, even though he’s engaged to another.

I’m so disappointed with the lack of character development in this series. I loved Elea in the first book, in the second book I still really liked her but I was a bit frustrated that she kept repeating the same mistakes. In this book, she basically does the exact same thing again, never learns her lesson and is basically the exact same character we’ve started off with in the beginning. Not only is she weaker, due to her spending so much time on the farm and not practicing her magic, but she basically repeats the exact same mistakes as she did in book one and two.

I absolutely hate her relationship with Rowan. He does not trust her, he constantly lies to her, and he treats her like she’s a little child that needs protection. When Rowan won’t tell her what’s going on, he uses the excuse that it’s “for her own good.” Which basically means that he’s deciding her fate for her and won’t tell her the truth because it doesn’t suit him. Then later in the story, he wont let Elea fight with him in a very important battle because he doesn’t want her to get hurt, but ultimately Elea ends up joining the battle and saves his ass, to which he says “wow I should have had you as my partner from the beginning,” like obviously, Elea is much stronger than you bro! Is your ego in the way?

SPOILERS

Now let’s get to the plot. If you haven’t seen the trend with the other two books, then let me summarize it for you. Elea starts off at the farm, something happens and she must leave to do magic. A new villain appears and Elea goes on a mission to kill him. Rowan doesn’t trust Elea, they fight, they make up, one of them says “We can’t be together.” Rowan and Elea fight the villain, they kill the villain, Victor comes back (with the exception to the first book), they send him back. Everything is good and there’s no more evil.

Literally the exact same plot for all three books. I enjoyed the first one, but come on, I can’t take much more of this.

I’m so disappointed with this book that I don’t know if I’ll continue with the next one. I really want to because it’s the last one in the series, but if it has the same type of plot again, I think I might throw my phone against the wall.

Fast paced adventure filled with emotion and new characters that make the plot more interesting and fun.
The story is set in the Caster's land where Rowan tries to protect Elea from imminent danger. Elea is torne between her wish to live a normal life in her farm, becoming Tsarina of her people the Necromancers or finally accepting her love for Rowan.
This steampunk fantasy series keeps getting better and better. Can't wait for the fourth installment.

I have been following this series since the beginning. Out of the three so far, this one was my absolute favorite. Elea has had it with magic and is trying to be just a farmer. But, of course, the magic life will not leave her alone. Soon, she’s dragged back in to face an even bigger villain, who isn’t exactly who he appears to be. Adding to that, Rowan is ill and won’t say why. Elea soon realizes she has to get the bottom of all the secrets to find out what’s really going on to save everyone. I really enjoyed the plot, how well-written the book was, and how engaging the characters were. There was such a wonderful mix of magic and mystery, and I appreciate that the characters sometimes don’t use magic to solve their problems. I’ve come to really like Elea and Rowan as a couple, and I’m happy with the place they are now. I have to admit, however, I wasn’t happy with the way Rowan dealt with some of the secrets he was keeping. It didn’t make sense why he did it. But, I just really enjoyed this book. If you are picking this book up, you should absolutely read these books in order; too much happens to keep up without reading the previous ones. And, yes, you should them pick up! I can’t wait to read more in this series! Highly recommend! Thanks to NetGalley and Monster House Books for the e-copy of the book which I voluntarily reviewed. This same review will be posted on both Goodreads and Amazon.

Hello happy readers! So today I'm pleased to be reviewing a new Ink Monster release, the latest in the Beholder series by Christina Bauer, Cherished (Beholder #3). I have reviewed the previous books Cursed and Concealed and of course have loved them so I was eagerly looking forward to this one. I always look forward to new books by the author. Cherished is out Tuesday May 30th so make sure to check out your copy! I received an early ARC from NetGalley and the publishers for an honest review. Spoilers for the first two books, duh.

Rating: 5 Loaded Totem Rings

When we left off in Concealed I was a bit heartbroken. I didn't see how it was possible that Rowan had betrayed Elea like that. That he could be so sweet and amazing to her but really be engaged to her friend Amelia. Our Elea already has trust issues given what her former best friend, Tristan did to her. Still they defeated the Tsar and the Vicomte and she is back home on her farm where she wanted to be. Running Braddock Farm is supposed to be her life but after the past few years it's a bit less than she's used to, even with her flirty friend Philippe there to keep her company. So when someone comes calling trying to kill her it gives her a bit of the excitement she has grown used to. Shujaa is a Changed One who has hybrid magic and promises he will ruin her and kill Rowan. While seeing him is the last thing she wants to do, if hybrid magic is involved she knows he is her best chance of defeating this new evil. That's all, not that she still has feelings for him or anything.

I admit when the last one ended, while I loved the book and series I was a bit heartbroken and didn't understand how Rowan could have done what he did. I had no idea how things could be fixed, how he would be able to redeem himself in my eyes after that. I was well and truly worried I wouldn’t be able to enjoy Rowan again. I clearly didn't have enough faith in the author because the way this story plays out I totally love Rowan still. So yes Elea and Rowan, I still ship them and love them so hard. Elea is still strong as ever and no matter how much her training tells her to not show emotions or be ruled by hear heart she isn't very good at that. I love that she is one to think with her head but she also lets her emotions show unlike a good little Necromancer. She has an entire army she brought back from the dead that want to follow her and she wants nothing to do with that. She isn't power hungry like so many other leaders she just wants to find her own slice of happiness. While Rowan is the leader of his people who are fickle to say the least and still even when they doubt him and cheer for another to rule he is strong and continues to fight for his people.

The chemistry is there from the start. Even before they see one another again you can feel it in the air and while you hate that he is engaged to Amelia I kept hoping he was right and there was an explanation that would make it better. I just love the magic these two create and not just the hybrid magic. One thing I love about them together is that they are equals, they may want to protect one another but they are equals. I really enjoy a romance that has each on equal footing and where the man accepts his partner is kick butt and doesn't need to sit the fighting out.

We also get to see more into Caster life. Some of the traditions and prophecies they live by. It becomes clear that some things have different meanings and rules. We also get to meet more of the Casters including Rowans brothers and even his mother. Some we clearly like more than others. For instance I just adore little Jicho. Zoriah not so much. Anywho this is all because of Viktor, yes even banishing him for a second time hasn't stopped his destruction as he left behind totems to continue his work. This man is seriously one bad dude.

There is plenty of character moments for sure as Elea fights to figure out what life she really wants but this is a battle story and there is lots of action and fighting happening. These characters we love so much never get a break because they are always needed to face some big bad. I love this story so much and while there is still so much that has me concerned from the ending I can't wait to see what happens. I also have a few questions left unanswered. So I'm ready for book four, Crowned.

Until next time…

Rowan and Elea were meant to be together in every sense of the word. They fight betrayal, back stabbing, and everything from wasps, beetles, as well as Rowan's crazy mother who wants him dead. Unfortunately when the gods find out they're mated and bonded there will be hell to pay. I guess that's for the next book...

I absolutely love this series. I will start with this is the 3rd in a series and probably won't make much sense without the other two. My heart broke at the end of the last book but I couldn't wait to see where the author took the characters in the new one! Elea is back to being a farmer, but misses casting spells. Casting spells made her happy. When she learns of a new enemy and a threat to Rowan she is excited but concerned. Rowan is determined to keep Elea safe, no matter what the cost or the enemy.
I was so excited to see all my favorite characters and to meet some new favorites. The new 'bad guy' Shujaa was intriguing and I like how it all connected. I could have smacked Rowan for being so secretive but he was doing it for Elea's benefit, even if we don't like it! The dynamics of Rowan's family was fun to figure out and I can honestly say that I completely despise his mom! The author threw a couple twists in here that I wasn't expecting but that made it all the better. I disliked how fickle Rowan's people were but that is just the way their culture is so you can't dislike them too much. Overall, I think this is my favorite book in the series so far.
Absolutely a 5/5. I cannot wait for more! Start with book 1 and you will love these books.

Thank you to the author/publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley). I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved it! Not the action, I admit, but the developing relationship between Rowan and Elea. So sweet.
4.5 stars

an ok read