Bard The Talisman Series, Book Four
by Tam DeRudder Jackson

The story is a romance between Seamus and Fallon a warrior and his talisman set around Celtic mythology .

This was a well written story. Although there was a lot going on in this book, however it a fast moving story that held my interest from start to finish. It didn’t make a difference to me that it was the fourth book in the series and I hadn’t read any of the other the story was still easy to follow and there is a lot of content and very interesting characters giving a message of family values ,truth ,power ,pain & retribution

Theere is also some steamy content but not graphic or offensive language which in my opinion on occasion in some book are unnecessary.

A very enjoyable read from start to finish.

If you want a book/series just a little different for a choice this could very well fit the bill. 4.5/5.

I really enjoyed the first part of this book and the way the author wrote about how Seamus and Fallon, meet, are forced together and find that they are warrior and talisman to be belonged together, was romantic, believable and intimate. When they venture out into the battle between the human warriors and the goddesses Maeve and Morgan, the intensity of the book dissipated somewhat. I found the battle scenes confusing and somehow lacking in interest, or a real sense of peril. Some of the interactions between Maeve, Taranis and Morgan were amusing, but the way they captured Fallon and how she finally discovered her talent went on for too long. I found the flip flopping of Fallon’s character, believing she couldn’t save her warrior one minute and then believing she could, sometimes in the same paragraph a bit frustrating too.

I did like the book, but didn’t enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the other book I have read in the series, Warrior, featuring Ceri and Rio Sheridan.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.

When a handsome man comes in to buy football tickets, Fallon recognizes him from her dreams. Seamus is the warrior from her dreams. The one a lusty sex goddess is torturing in her bed. The only thing that can save him is finding his talisman. 1st time reading this author. The story kept me entertained in a not put it down way until I find out what happens!


I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

This was the second book in this series that I’ve read. I didn’t care much for the first book, but I’m glad I gave this one a chance. I did enjoy it much more than the first one. I liked both main characters and the story. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

ARC received for review

Seamus is best friend to the Sheridan clan from the previous books. He was upset about missing out on the big fight in Scotland last year (actually I was sad he wasn't there either). He meets Fallon and she turns in down for a date, but later while hiking in the midst of a storm winds up at Seamus' family's cabin. They discover that she is his Talisman but doesn't know what her gift is to help him fight. One of the goddess' really wants Seamus to be hers, and puts them and their families through the ringer. I can't decide if Taranis wants to be a bad guy or is just a tool of his sisters. Lots more Celtic legends and mythology add to the story. Fallon's parents are stuck in the past and cause more harm than good.

We finally get Seamus’ book 🥰
I do enjoy this series for the most part.
What’s not to love about hot romantic scenes and some dramatic story telling. Every book in this series has an interesting and creative story line to follow.
I particularly enjoyed Seamus’ personality. Funny and easy going. Goofy. Always a charmer. I also loved Fallons true abilities. So cool!
In this installment, Fallon and Seamus meet randomly and discover they are mated. Fallon has crazy dreams seeing her warrior tortured to death and can’t do anything about it.
I loved the idea of Fallons character. Brought up in a super prejudice family, underdeveloped powers. It’s the perfect opportunity to create a bad ass female character. However, I felt like she was a powerless, weak character and she fell a little short. Their instalove wasn’t my favorite part either. I also found there was a lot going on in a very short timeline, but the writing style makes it easy to keep up even if you hadn’t read the previous books. So, that’s a bonus.
Overall, this series just keeps surprising me with Jacksons inventiveness. Keep on keeping on!

A great read for lovers of paranormal romance. A perfect mix of powers and the supernatural. A reversal of roles when it comes to the protector in the male-female relationship. And a sweet pinch of female power.

3.75 stars--BARD is the third full-length instalment in Tam DeRudder Jackson’s contemporary, adult TALISMAN paranormal, fantasy, Celtic mythology series. This is marketing promoter Fallon Graham, and twenty-six year old, security specialist Seamus Lochlann’s story line. BARD can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading the series in order or book one TALISMAN for back ground and history.

SOME BACKGROUND: Centuries earlier, the Morrigan cursed the descendants of the Sheridan family, a curse that has the potential to be broken with the mating of a warrior and his fated mate. Desperate to prevent the breaking of the curse, Morgan and her sister Maeve set into motion a series of battles that will pull the Sheridan family into a war where family and friendships will be tested. Morrigan is part of Celtic mythology representing the cycle of birth and death, but is also the patron of magic and revenge, prophecy and night.

Told from several third person perspectives including Seamus and Fallon BARD follows the building relationship between marketing promoter Fallon Graham, and twenty-six year old, security specialist and Celtic warrior Seamus Lochlann. Seamus Lochlann had yet to find his fated Talisman but a visit to a local sports centre found Seamus hoping the fiery auburn haired receptionist was his fated mate. A quick trip to his family cabin in the woods found Seamus face to face with Fallon Graham, when a sudden storm forced a hiking Fallon in search of a place to stay. Discovering each was the other’s fated mate, Fallon and Seamus got down to business but Fallon’s repeated dream where she watches as Seamus dies becomes the stuff of her nightmares when Maeve captures our couple and forces Fallon to watch as her beloved is sexually tortured to death. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Fallon and Seamus, and the potential fall-out as the naïve and ill-prepared Fallon, struggles with her powers, and how to help the man with whom she has fallen in love.

Fallon Graham comes from a long line of warriors and Talismans whose discriminatory attitude towards the magical Druid has affected their daughter’s Talisman training. Unaware of her true potential, Fallon battles between head and heart, and slowly loses hope when she is unable to help the man that she love. Seamus Lochlann is a carefree warrior but a warrior prepared to die to protect the lineage of warriors and Talisman. Hoping against hope that Fallon will be able to stop her dreams from become reality, Seamus will slowly succumbed to the Celtic goddess, when his mate is not strong enough to stop fate from happening.

The relationship and love between Seamus and Fallon is quick to develop. Once a warrior finds his mate, the Talisman quickly falls for the man she was chosen to protect but all is not well Graham family lineage, and Seamus may suffer when his Talisman is unable to protect the man that she loves. The $ex scenes are passionate without the use of over the to, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters, most of whom we have met in the previous instalments: Rowan and Alyssa (Talisman #1); Shanley and Alaisdair (Prophetess 2.5); goddesses Scathach (warrior woman and martial arts teacher), Maeve and Morgan, and god Taranis. We are introduced to Fallon’s aunt Keela and Uncle Griffin; her parents Clancy and Ivori Graham; and Seamus’ sister Siobhan MacManus and her warrior Duncan, and Duncan’s sister Jennifer.

BARD is a story of family, friendships, power and magic; discrimination, pain, anger and retribution. The premise is detailed and dramatic ; the characters are animated and colorful but I struggled with our heroine who was emotionally and magically weak ; the romance is seductive and captivating.


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Bard by Tam DeRudder Jackson is the fourth book in the Talisman Series. It presents the story of Fallon Graham and Seamus Lochlann.
I haven't read the first three book of the story, and I managed to understand most of the story! The characters are pretty great, the story was amazing and the writing was really good!
The only thing that was harder for me was the references to the Celtic Mythology. But I managed to follow most of the story, and I believe that this can disappear if I read the three other books!
I really liked this book!

We return the Sheridans struggles against Morgan and Maeve although this time they are after Seamus, a lifetime friend. Seamus is a player but he’s been searching for his Talisman. When he finds one Fallon who is only half trained. Life is gonna get interesting. Maeve is set on having Seamus and she will stop at nothing to have him. Hey are protected in the cabin but when they are called on to help fight will Fallon find her talent and help them all take another win in the war?

Good to read and loved it a lot.

This is a very interesting story. Many twists with the best being a "bard's" ability which was unique to me. I will find the previous books and read them.

This is a series that draws heavily on Celtic mythology and each book has been a masterpiece in its own right and now we get the story of Seamus Lochlann

Seamus is the happy go lucky warrior always ready to do battle fighting the rogue warriors of Meave and her sister He may be ready with a laugh and a smile but everyone knows he is also lethal He is also on borrowed time as Meave has decided he will be the next warrior she claims to her bed. He meets his talisman in the shape of Fallon Graham but she has seen his downfall at the hands of Maeve and doesn't want her heart broken so she denies him won't even go on a date But fate is determined and a storm as them trapped together in a cabin. Now when Maeve strikes they will have to work together if they are both to survive

This book was a total discovery for me, because I hadn't read any books from this author before, and that was a really nice surprise, because I love the world, the author had created.
So, I'll definitely buy the previous books from this author to read them.

I fell in love with Seamus and Fallon, together thay are a great team/couple. My heart broke for Fallon, especially because of her vision about Seamus.
Fallon is a really powerful talisman, but if her parents hadn't been so stubborn, she could have been much more powerful, and kind of invicible. But she's also fragile and I loved that about her.
Seamus is a real sweetheart and I love seeing him with Fallon and how he was with her.
I hope that in the next books, we will hear more about their new life together.

Great book, I can't wait to read the author books from this author.

3.5 stars

We're back in the land o' the Warriors and our resident Lady's man is about to meet his match, err, Talisman.

Seamus Lochlann, BFF to Rowan (Talisman), has finally found his talisman. Unfortunately, he has already caught the eye of one lusty evil goddess who has elaborate designs on his... life. Fallon Graham was brought up in an odd warrior family that denies the power and rights of Druids in their Warrior world. As such, Fallon has only been half-trained. As goddesses and gods conspire with their evil machinations, Lachlan and his talisman, Fallon must work to find her gift but also bond before her nightmares and visions come to fruition.

As always, this series has a unique take on Celtic mythology that while not completely accurate makes for a very interesting story. There is a lot going on in this one, unfortunately we don't get any of the elaborate training Scooby team assemble scenes going on that I enjoy so much. A good chunk of the book is involved in the actual action.

Just like with any other paranormal mate story there is a very present insta- attraction and insta-lust/love going on and a lot of... physical bonding happening.

I enjoyed the 7 degrees of separation going on with our previous Talisman series characters. Alaisdair (Prophetess) ends up being a long removed cousin to Fallon as well as Fallon's uncle was Alyssa's (Talisman) college advisor and currently works in her department. I also enjoyed the discussion of Druids in the Warrior world and discussed some of the prejudices regarding their mixing with the Talisman/Warrior pairings. Also the direct relationship contrasts. Seamus' sister is a Druid and married to a Warrior. His Talisman lives next door and is protected by said sister.

**safety patrol- trigger warning- the male character is victim to a lusty goddess'- err, emm- wares and mystical, magical r-word happens. If this is an issue for you, be forewarned.**
^^^ I was not a fan of this. But it happened and just like the characters, I am going to move right on along. I hope this does not become a trend in the series as this theme is not one I like to read about.

All in all, I am thoroughly enjoying this series and can't wait to see where we go next. I think it's back to Scotland. Yay!

*ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

I have really been enjoying this series. I am fascinated by the Celtic mythology that this book handles in detail. The only thing that keeps these books from being four star reads for me - is that there is a LOT going on. And sometimes it gets so deep in the mythology that I get a little lost. Also - the instalove doesn't 100% work for me in any of the cases. I see the connection and the physical bonding - but you can see in a lot of the pairings some roots of discord between the couples.

This book focuses on Seamus - BFF of the Sheridan boys. He is a good guy - but also kind of a good-time-guy. He is always cracking jokes and is rarely serious. But he is extremely loyal and always has your back. He meets Fallon by accident - and then again in a turn of fate that had to be organized by the Gods for them. Fallon's family is a difficult one and hasn't trained her properly or explored her very substantial gifts due to their prejudices. This leads to a big problem - because Fallon's gifts are BIG. She is a Bard and has the ability to change people's stories by retelling them.

With that in mind, there is a lot that happens in a very short period of time in this book. You almost forget by the end that Seamus and Fallon have only known each other for a few days. When you remember that- though - it makes some aspects of the story a little less believable. Even in this very fate driven world.

This is overall a great addition to the storyline and I am excited to keep reading the series!

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are my own.

Fireworks!!!
In this fourth book in the Talisman series Seamus Lochlann the happy go lucky playboy warrior takes center stage and meets his other half.
Fallon Graham said no yo a date with him but fate will not be denied. A rain storm in the middle of nowhere they are thrown together.
A evil vengeful goddess has set her sights on Seamus and will stop at nothing to acquire him.
Previous characters and new show up to make things more intriguing. I love this series so much. It’s unique and grabs you and won’t let go.A beautiful well written spicy story full of action and Celtic lore.
I’ve long been a fan of mythology so it’s right up my alley. I can’t wait for the next book in September.
I hope this series never ends.