We have reached what C.L. Carhart deems the "final" entry in Swanhilde's saga, entitled Numinous Fortune. I must admit that the author's choices along the way have not particularly inspired my confidence. She claims she loves me, but if so she has a sadistic way of showing it.

She considers me an "antihero" and thus in desperate need of growth and improvement. I cannot disagree with that assessment.

But why does she believe that such growth is best accomplished apart from the icy witch who planted seeds of goodness in my stone heart?

C.L. Carhart is a cruel mistress.

The Cursed Chronicler

Swanhilde still calls me Augustin after all this time, but these days most of the living refer to me as Wolfgang. You may choose whichever epithet you wish if we ever have cause to meet in person. That likely shall not happen on this side of eternity, however.

I have spent the past six years mourning the loss of my one true love and exacting vengeance on behalf of her and her city. While rooting a half-demon army from the earth and slaying their human scions has brought a sense of satisfaction, I freely admit that such quests are mere distractions from the emptiness that has haunted me since Swanhilde departed the 11th century.

Of course she continued to hazard her life even in the future, as if I have infinite hours to watch over her through the veils of time. 🙄 Teuton witches—and women in general—insist upon terrifying their partners, it would seem.

Now Swanhilde has returned, and for the most absurd reason possible.

A fate that I must conjure all of my mental faculties to thwart.

Fate Moves Against Us

Swanhilde reentered my era after nearly two decades in the 21st century. Just hours after we reunited, she primly informed me that she had read a historical record asserting she must marry Prince Otto and die with him.

A record I, apparently, wrote myself. 😑

I could never find peace with the concept of my one true love binding herself to the bastard who cursed me back in 1045. That jealous Prince attempted to wield godlike authority over me just because he held the keys of Muniche. Family ties mean nothing to him—and if he binds Swanhilde I fear she shall lose all that remains of her individuality. Her spunk and drive, her unconditional love.

The simplest solution would be for me to kill Prince Otto myself. I have longed to do that often since he leveled the curse upon me, but never quite as strongly as I long for it now. Swanhilde has begged me to show him mercy. She believes that if I kill him, my soul shall descend irretrievably to hell.

Then we could never truly unify our destinies.

But how can we be together if Prince Otto blinds her with a false image of devotion, of death itself? Eternity is closed to me, but it beckons to Swanhilde.

I should toss that wretched Prince into death's abyss before he can bind her.

✨ Learn More ✨

My Frosty Queen

C.L. Carhart recently showed me this glorious artwork of an ice queen that could easily be Swanhilde herself. This is the wonder Prince Otto—and apparently my own horrific writings—long to steal away from me. I cannot let the darkness win. Swanhilde deserves to reign over the living and the dead as my icy consort.

Browse more of Helga Helleborus' artwork here:

https://www.deviantart.com/helga-helleborus/gallery

Recommended Reading

Naturally I have not read either of the following novels myself, as they were published long after my foray in the 21st century came to an end. I suppose I must default to C.L. Carhart's tastes. Please marvel at the artistic covers, read the blurbs, and decide for yourself whether these books arouse your curiosity.

When she arrived at Obscure Academy, Krissi promised herself she'd focus on her studies and cheer practice. She wasn't going to worry about boys or the fact she's less than graceful in her leopard form. 

Everything changes when she shares an accidental kiss with her flatmate, and despite every attempt to stay away from Jeremy, she keeps finding herself drawn back to the tiger shifter. 

Can Jeremy convince her to give their relationship a chance?

✨ Fresh New Read ✨

One princess, three sexy protectors, one king that wants to kill them all. 

Lyla was blending into the mortal world, just as her mother requested. No one knew she existed, let alone that she was the next heir to the Seelie court. Keeping her hidden is the Queen’s top priority. 

When the Seelie court is attacked and the Queen is in danger, Lyla can’t stay hidden anymore. She must save her mother, even if it means she’ll be hunted herself.

✨ Get It For 99¢ ✨

August Book Fair & Giveaway

If you prefer to scroll a collection of novels in all genres—and enter to win a $50 gift card in the process—I advise you to take a look at the Summer Heat Book Fair. I have no use for gift cards myself. I much prefer transforming stones to coins whenever I need free currency. Again, I default to your judgment. 😉

✨ Books And Gift Cards ✨

I had best leave you in peace, for I sense a fiery serpent infringing upon my solitude. The time draws near. Shall I succeed in bending fate to my will?

Or must Swanhilde and I part ways for eternity?

I sincerely hope I find out before you do, for the sake of my soul.

Wishing you all of life's glories,

Wolfgang

once known as Lord Augustin von Bayern

Get Numinous Fortune: https://books2read.com/hnwanf

Preorder the Lunar Rising anthology: https://books2read.com/lunarrisingset

This week's book list & giveaway:

https://reviewfreebooks.com/2022/08/august-book-fair-giveaway/