The Holly and the Ivy 1. The King's Mate

In this first book of The King's Mate you have a rich tapestry quickly but wonderfully woven and presented. Noel is about to turn 18. Instead of the usual worries of first loves or college issues, he finds himself in the center of a world he never knew existed. His beloved grandmother was a member of The Order and kept a watch over him for Diarmad. Diarmad was a man Noel met every year at Christmas. However, this year Noel finds that things were never what they seemed and his life is more special than he ever suspected.

This story has love, romance, betrayal, kings, consorts, mystery, and more. Aditus creates an inviting world, daring you to come in, but warning you of the danger around each corner. Why wait? Throw caution to the wind and read.

Ok, this story needs a little more recognition. This one has a touch of (fantasy/sci-fi/supernatural?) whimsy! There is action, there is drama, there is trauma...the characters are colorful and the protagonist struggles to define himself and rise well above memories of the past. I loved it.