TAURUS

TAURUS will soon be following MAXIMUS on the submission rounds. The amount posted here is an excerpt meant only as a teaser. Thank you for your interest.
Christine Elaine Black

An action packed and intriguing start to what could turn into a fascinating Roman story. The pieces are already on the board for a complex action adventure, historical political romance. This looks set to be a complex and entertaining read.

A few thoughts whilst reading the first chapter:

Is the phrase “brooding eyes” a bit of a cliché these days?

I wasn’t sure what the link between the declining population and Taurus begetting himself an heir was? It seems a heavy task to have to re-populate the entire state himself?

It seems a swift transition from the bride-choosing parade to the ride in the hills.

J.S.Watts
Witchlight

TAURUS will soon be following MAXIMUS on the submission rounds. The amount posted here is an excerpt meant only as a teaser. Thank you for your interest.
Christine Elaine Black

I agree with the previous reviews. There isn't enough here to judge but I like it and will keep it on watchlist in the hope of reading more.

Good pitches and an excellent cover are a promising start and your opening chapter reads well. I like the small details like a voice calling out 'from a few cubits away.' There's a strong premise here and I've enjoyed the opening chapter.
Unfortunately, whether because this is a work in progress or an uploading glitch, the remaining three chapters, although headed up differently, contain the same text as the first.
Best wishes with this and I'm pleased to see you have a follow-up to your fine first novel already in place.
Jake

Either you or I have a glitch in the system - all four chapters seem to be the same. I liked what I read, though, bar one or two clunky sentences, and will add to my watch list...

I love historical fiction, but I have not read much set in these times. I loved what I read of Maximus and I think this is great too. Your characters are real and approachable even though they come from a life and time to unlike our own. That is key in historical fiction - making your characters likeable to others. It's no wonder you have attracted notice. This is really good stuff. Crisp, clear writing and an obvious trilogy (or more?)

As I write historical fiction myself, I am always interested to see what others are doing. It is such a fascinating, fun type of thing to write, is it not?

I wish you well with this and I really hope to see your books on a shelf near me someday! I'll totally buy these books.

- Bunderful (author of Master of the Miracles)

This is so far very good. I like seeing books where the girls have weapons as well as brains.
Good work on making it interesting and making the reader find out more.
The names are unique and creative.
Lost of good taste here!
.
Shelby Z./Driving Winds

Hey Christine,

So I read the first Chapter, and I must say that I like it better than Maximus. I think your quality of writing here is much improved. I definitely find it ironic that Kallie has captured the very man she seeks protection from-- both because it's going to get her into a lot of trouble once she figures it out and because her confidence could be shaken if she realizes that the very man she captured is the one she wants to protect her!

Some minor things-- you spend a paragraph talking about how Taurus goes to sleep, doesn't dream, wakes up and looks at the sunset. It seemed too succinct-- either leave it out entirely or stretch it out so that we can really see this through your MCs eyes. At every moment in your story you should either be moving your plot along or integrating your reader more firmly with your characters. If at any point your story isn't doing that, then the writing is just filler.

Also, a little later on you misspelled 'offense'.

Other than that, it's pretty good. I'll be back for more!

Jasmine
To Puta Falling Angel (Temporary Title in support of PUTA)

As with Maximus this was a joy to read! Polished. I am assuming that you repeated Chapter 3 to make the 10,000 word limit without giving away too much of your story. I can't wait to find out what happens next and would love to see chapter 4! 5 stars. Best wishes. Desi.

Six-star rating on both books, Elaine!

I couldn't stop reading. Very good. I am curious why you have a repeated chapter 3? Did I miss something? There are missing words from time to time, nothing big. You have a gift for writing well, Elaine. Good work! Can't wait to read more, to finish both your stories. I like how they are intermingled. :) Ellise

Wow! This first chapter is a great read. I'll enjoy more later. Thanks for sharing your talents and your work with us, Elaine.

Ellise :)

Just the sort of book I love to read. Your writing conjures up vivid images, nicely done. Vall

Taurus is an intriguing read. I was first drawn to the cover and to the fact that it is a sequel to Maximus―a superb and highly recommended book. Since this is my favorite genre it is easy to sit back in a large easy-chair and read the entire four chapters uploaded here. The rugged Taurus must find a wife but he’d rather be riding in the countryside with his troop. I already like him because I have a feeling this brutish and rather handsome man will have to do the chasing. An archer, with pin-point accuracy and an unexpected name, stops him with her bow. Here we have opposites in looks but a skillful contester with a bow. It can’t get better than this even if Taurus assumes she is a ‘touch strange.’ Taurus plots his revenge― and who can blame him. He’s been captured by a girl. He wonders how he will kill her although the reader has a sense that he is too intrigued at this early stage to do her much harm. But before she can get the words out of her mouth, she is pressed tightly against his body in the palace of the Governor. This is a highly entertaining read worthy of many stars. On w/l for future backing. Claire ~ Chasing Pharaohs.

I will enjoy reading your books. I enjoy these kinds of stories. Good luck, and thanks for backing me too!

Christine,
"Taurus" carried me back to a time when political alliances were formed by using the marriage card, partnering up beautiful women with stragically important men. You paint your scenes with bold strokes and your dialogue serves the characterizations well. Thank you for this enchanting tale which has fired me up for more of the same.

Kenneth Edward Lim
The North Korean

I love the cover, and the writing style is great, it really draws you into the story. It is a popular historical time, so you should do well.
Backed with pleasure
Ruth x

Elaine,
You certainly have these Roman hunks off to a tee. Kallie is a perfect foil for the brooding Taurus, and I expect she's going to give him a run for his money. Great pace, straight into the plot with the evil Lidia quickly identified as one to watch. Where do you get your covers? Great stuff. More chapter's please...

Babs

This is great. I read what you have uploaded and the only disappointment was when I got to chpt 4, argh The Wolf again. I'm going to message you with some minor questions I have.
Bill Scott
Haktaw Heart

Ms. Black,
Very nicely done. Your story moves at comfortable pace, while pulling the reader into the story line. Having read your first work I know more than a hint of intrigue is on its way. I love the twists and turns you manage to surprise your readers with.