Review: The Prince of Winds by Tali Spencer

Rimmon may be an eagle warrior, but he’s never known war, and he’s never known love—until his kingdom’s army is destroyed by Ekari, the demon of winds, and he is captured by Melkor, one of the Iron Horde that has been killing off the world's gods. Those gods have cursed Melkor and his brothers to be conquerors and never to be loved, but Melkor, hoping to overcome his fate, carries Rimmon off to his island.

There, he heals Rimmon’s wounds and teaches him about sexual pleasure, earning the young warrior’s trust and fanning the flames of an attraction both men yearn to embrace. But the curses of vengeful gods are difficult to break, especially when Rimmon discovers Melkor is the demon who destroyed his home.

How to describe Tali Spencer's "The Prince of Winds"? Hmm...it is a fantasy with a historical feel, a mythological tinged romance, a sensual,well written tale that can easily be visualized and has a fairy tale feel. Basically a book that I definitely enjoyed. You give me those elements and add a enemies-to-lovers AND a virgin theme, I'd hooked. This story hits a lot of topics I like. And if you haven't read a Tali Spencer book (this is my second and won't be my last), expect to take a journey to cool fantasy world. There's even flying carpets. It took everything to not sing "A Whole New World" from Aladdin each time Melkor showed up with his carpets. (Okay I show no restraint with singing Disney tunes, so I sung the song one or two maybe over five times)

In a land far away, there's a trio of brothers that are demigods and they are on the warpath. They are conquering gods, kingdoms and ripping the world a new one. Why? They are avenging their wronged goddess of a mother and also trying to escape the curses thrown upon them. The most important one is that they are cursed to never be loved. Melkor, the more scholarly of his brothers, controls the wind, he is, in fact, known as the Prince of Winds. Melkor wants to find a mate and even though he is cursed, he does not give up hope. He has the list of servants he has bedded to prove it. But while the Ake kingdom falls, most known for eagle warriors (that's right Ake's warriors use giant eagles as weapons) Melkor sees a fallen warrior being tended by his eagle and becomes enchanted with the ginger haired beauty, Rimmon.

Melkor whisks the injured Rimmon knowing his identity as a prince almost immediately but does not share who he is to the young man.Neither does Rimmon. The hidden identity ploy doesn't carry on for too long, so if you don't enjoy the trope, don't worry. Did I mention Rimmon is a virgin and Melkor takes pleasure in training (one word:delicious) Rimmon in the art of sex. The sex scenes and near sex scenes were sensual. The words are descriptive and I could just see the golden skin being licked or see that glass...instrument being inserted in...well you need to read what was put where, don't you? ;P

The niggles because I had a few but just a tiny few. I wish there was a more filler between Rimmon and Melkor on the island. Rimmon is injured and Melkor finds a quick fix to jump to sexy times (I'm not hating because that was some sensual sexy times). I would have loved a little more struggle, it's one of my favorite things to read in romance. Yes, the men spend days apart but the time jump was kind of quick so it has that instalove feel.  And Melkor has many names as does his brothers which is fine. I felt discovering their true names interesting but it felt a little much when there narration refers to one name, the brothers call each other either name and lovers are calling their partners the other name. It wasn't confusing but I just would have expected them to choose a name and stick to it. Like servants and chiefs calling a brother by their demon name but the demigod brothers would call each other by birth names. My issues are tiny, see. It might be a pet peeve of mine.

This story is definitely read worthy. I'm not going to recommend it for everyone. I think the readers who would most appreciate this story are ones who enjoy fantasy with an ancient, mythology feel. I hate comparisons but think a tamer, not dark or gruesome, more romantic Captive Prince with mythology/fairy tale based fantasy mixed in and you don't have to wait for the sex. A quick read that ends satisfyingly HEA.

I want to take a trip to Tali Spencer's world. It seems like a fun place.