Beneath the Gates – Colonies of Man Bundle #1

JR WARD-esque worldbuilding, spot-on short story a hit of fantasy without the romance. I requested this book (which I received a free copy, and hereby am voluntarily sharing my honest review) because I saw the cover (LOVE IT) and the title intrigued me (BECAUSE: AWESOME) and somehow I got the impression when it started out that this was going to have a little romance.
It kind of does. The most bittersweet, well written slice of romance - but not onscreen and not even offscreen - it was in their past, and... I want to say more. It's the (bitter)sweetest short slice I've come across in a short story in a long time. I WANTED MORE. Ever read JR Ward's STORY OF SON? If I could only pick one book, one book from ALL of hers, that's the one. I'd reread it again and again. And The Last Vhalgenn had that spark, had the premise, and the skill to tell a story in short - NOT EASY AND HAVEN'T SEEN THAT A LONG TIME EITHER...

Raik is a fascinating character. She’s strong and yet, vulnerable where it concerns her long-time friend, the king. Even when she’s faced with the most difficult decision of her life – to betray her King or not – she’s focused and determined to do what’s best for everyone involved – even if it causes her destruction. I also love the idea of female warriors, it’s very empowering and inspirational on those days when I feel less than adequate. So, to watch Raik go through all she has to deal with – deception, jealousy, annoyance from the young girl traveling with her – reminds me that it could always be worse for me.

Kayelle has created an entire world that is so multi-faceted, it leaves the door wide open for future books. I liked Dane and Jee and the writing style was great. I would have liked to learn more about Kaiwulf, but as this is a novella, I'm guessing that is for future books.