Sebastian (Ephemera Book 1)

If I have told myself once, I’ve told myself a bazillion times, “Self, DO NOT BUY the entire series at the same time! You will never pause between books to write your reviews!” I confess, and humbly apologize if this review is also a partial review of Book 2, 3, and or 4. I know better, but I must be honest, if the series is by Anne Bishop, the temptation is too great! And I’ve never been disappointed.Once again, Bishop has come up with a fantastic series, where certain people (Landscapers) can communicate with the world, Ephemera. And there are Bridges who can open gateways/bridges between the countries or lands that are cared for by the Landscapers. And, there are Wizards, who for the most part are not nice people. Oh, and demons. Oh, yes, the demons are wonderful beings.While Bishop’s other universes tend toward darkness, Ephemera has a nice balance, and some downright humorous situations. Sebastian lives in the Den of Iniquity, a land his cousin, Glorianna Belladonna cares for as a Landscaper and built for him. Several sub plots, which get finished before those dreaded words, “The End.”Once started, I had a hard time putting the book/s down. Yes, this book is erotic, and sexy, and I really, really, Really, did not want to reach those dreaded words, “The End.”

This book is very involved. If you are into complex plots and having a story line that makes you keep up you will love it. I like to work a little for my understanding of a book. The plot was very well developed. Also the characters have believable flaws, which is nice, even in a fantasy fiction. The reason for the 4 stars is that there is a point where I felt that it was too much, the problems and complications had reached a point where it was almost unbelievable. Then, the really good stuff started. I couldn't put the book down after I got past the "too much" point. I highly recommend this book. Oh- You really should get some experience reading Anne Bishop before you read this though, she writes very differently. I love it.

It was a wonderful story with interesting characters and a great storyline! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!!!

Long ago the world was splintered into a variety of landscapes. Landscapers are able to pull these different areas together and maintain the balance. Bridges are able to connect the pieces of earth. However, beware, one's heart determines where you land and you cannot travel to a landscape that doesn't resonate with your heart. Sebastian, a half-wizard half succubus lives in the Den, a landscape created by the rogue landscaper Belladonna. When strange things begin happening in the Den Sebastian asks the wizards for help.This book is very well written. It is engaging, the characters are fascinating and the world building is ingenious. Anne Bishop is my favorite author and I highly enjoyed this book. I look forward to more in this series.

I love her books and this did not disappoint. A good story for adults.

Bottom Line: Try before you buyThis is a unique story...excellent foundation and explanation of the world. And interesting idea..It just didn't 'WOW' me. I struggled reading it. I did like the book's cover, however. If only the story matched or exceeded the alluring cover.Follows three characters...through a series of issues, with two of them uniting together in the story.. And I didn't connect, as a reader, to one of the main characters, Sebastian. He wasn't written as a guy I had to get to know, or know what happened to him. He wasn't a page turner.I will not buy the next in the series.I'd recommend for strictly fantasy with lots of weird creatures, Rob Thurman.And for fantasy with sex, Keri Arthur (Riley series), or Kim Harrison.

I won't retell the story. If you looked at any of the other reviews, you've already gotten enough of that. Let me just say instead that I was a bit surprised by this book. Compared with her other two series, this book seemed a bit tame. I was expecting something rather dark and tragic, but instead got a sweet little love story. I thought the characters were engaging and I think there is real potential for a wonderful series. There are many characters that have a story to tell, and the stage is set for the big evil battle too. Some of the other reviews I read were none too pleasant, but give a lady a chance. Bishop's other books were very dark, even shocking at times, but change can be a good thing. I'm hoping there's more to come about this new land Ephemera.

This book has gotten its share of spotty reviews, but I loved it. Anne Bishop's strength is in her world building and this book didn't disappoint. Ephemera is one of the most complex UF worlds I've come across and Bishop handled it with great consistency. I had no trouble visualizing the shifting landscapes and the different types of bridges between them. I also appreciated Ephemera's link to people's emotional state.Sebastian is a great character. Part incubus, part wizard, he comes into his own as the book progresses in a satisfying character arc. Glorianna, Lee, and Nadia are well-drawn characters too, as is Lynnea.There were a few side-threads to the plot that probably didn't need to happen and a few I'd like to have seen expanded. Nonetheless, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it for UF fans who like the unusual in a genre that often repeats itself.

I love to read

Just as good as the first time I read it. Moving on to the second book in the series next.

I really would like to know how Anne Bishop comes up with these new, fascinating worlds. I just can't get enough of her books. I wish I could crawl into one of her worlds and explore it, see it all for myself.Sebastian is a nice character that I liked to read about. I also loved the way how each single person in her book felt "real". That so seldomly happens in today's mass production novels.Of course this is not an easy book. I laughed with it, felt triumpf when success was achieved but also felt sad when the plot turned to some darker happenings. All in all, it was more than worth it!!!

This book is wonderful and badly needed as a fix after becoming addicted to Anne Bishop's powerful prose!Once again, Bishop has created a universe which is utterly plausible, despite being somehwat complicated. And, once again, she writes with such fluidity that the strange concepts of the world she has created are quickly and easily explained. Just as the three ply creation of the Black Jewels universe was effortlessly achieved, so is that of the multitudes of landscapes that consitute Ephemera.The romance in this book is a little less complex and poignant than that of the two main characters in the Black Jewels books and the style of the story is akin to the House of Gaian etc trilogy. It's still wonderful stuff, though, and extremely absorbing.Just as with all Anne Bishop's books, once I started this I could not put it down and thus have been up all night reading it. I need more - and I need it soon!!

I wanted paperback not hardcover