Warrior by Deidre Huesmann

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A Modern Greek Myth, 3

While Azalee recovers from her stabbing, the High Priestess continues to lord over her. Azalee begins to feel her situation is hopeless once the Mother of Mykonos declares her mistrust of the Blistered child. With few allies, she makes desperate moves to gain some sense of control.

In Athens, Joel and the others come to the dreaded realization that Joel is also a chosen mortal by a very unlikely and malicious god. Joel will have to sacrifice his beliefs to reach Azalee—and even that may not be enough.

As their fates intertwine, trust is tenuous, promises are broken, and blood is spilled. Azalee and Joel can succumb to the gods’ twisted games...or challenge the fates.

14+ due to violence and adult situations

 

Excerpt:

“Relax,” said Cleo, her smile widening. “We’ll leave the door open. But this”—she gestured at Deimos’s thick stubble—“can’t stay anymore. It looks hideous.”

Covering his mouth to muffle a laugh, Joel couldn’t help but take amusement from the horrified expression on Deimos’s face.

Defensively, Deimos said, “I’ve decided I like it.”

Cleo wrinkled her nose. “It’s hideous, and I’ve decided it’s coming off.”

“It’s my face!”

“Yeah, but you only have to wear it. I have to look at it.”

Deimos sneered—at least, Joel assumed he did. The golden fur around his mouth was beginning to make it difficult to tell. “Perhaps you should find something more attractive to look at.”

Cleo huffed, placing her hands on her hips. “I’m trying, but that thing isn’t cooperating very well.”

“Look, little girl—”

“No, you look,” she shouted. Joel flinched at the sudden sharp rise in her pitch. “Unless you’re in your thirties, you have no business looking like a scruffy old mountain man in the middle of the city. Just because we’re fighting a war doesn’t mean you get to look like a barbarian.” She pointed to the men’s bathroom, her nostrils flaring. “Now get in there before I break the razor open and cut your potentially pretty face with it!”

Deimos raised an eyebrow. “Potentially?”

Cleo glared at him, jabbing her finger insistently at the bathroom.

After a tense moment, Deimos sighed. “I shall return in a moment, baby brother.”

“A moment,” Cleo muttered as she trailed behind him. “All that rabbit fur plastered on his stupid face, it’s gonna take at least half an hour…”

Uncertain whether to be confused, amused, or irate, Joel shook his head and looked back to Emilia. “So, uh…”

Emilia smiled pleasantly. “Please close the door. I should like to get dressed in the new garments Niribelle so graciously acquired.”

“Yeah. Sure.” Joel fumbled with the handle. “Uh, have fun.”

“Certainly.”

After he shut the door, a strange buzzing sounded from the bathroom, quickly followed by a loud thud. “Fiery furies, what black magic is that?” exclaimed Deimos.

Cleo’s groan echoed from the tiny bathroom. “Oh, my God, it’s an electric razor. Sit down!”

Joel paused to grab the clothes Niribelle had bought for him, sliding a pair of jeans over his—what were these infernal tiny pants called? Boxers?

He wandered to the window, sliding the curtain open and welcoming Apollo’s sunlight into his face. He touched the scabbed lobe of his left ear, recalling the quartz earring he’d pilfered from his mother to help him travel by night. It seemed like ages ago.

Knowing everything I know now, was it all worth it?

Considering Niribelle’s increasingly secretive nature, he wasn’t certain. Something else was going on, but she remained tight-lipped about whatever was bothering her.

Plus, he had a lot on his own plate. He needed to rescue Azalee from her imprisonment on the island of Mykonos. Not to mention his promise to save Cleo’s sister from the snare of the death god, Thanatos. Then there was the impending war among the gods.

Finally, the fact Joel would have to cast aside his desired philosophy of pacifism if he wanted to save Azalee from her impending fate.

Over the past couple weeks, Emilia had filled in a lot of holes, starting when Joel and Azalee had separated on the Mykonos ship and ending when Emilia—and Cleo—had passed through a gemstone apparition to join him near Athens. Joel knew Azalee was in a place called Mykonos Manor and that she was expected to wed and conceive a child with the so-called Son of Mykonos, Theseus.

Joel had met the man, once. He’d had Joel stabbed.

His hand reflexively went to his side. The wound was mostly healed, but still ached now and then.

The weight of his burdens pressed upon him. He had much to do, and time was short. Joel had to get to the island of Mykonos, but he still had to find a way to save Cleo’s twin sister.

He’d promised both of them. He couldn’t break those promises.

He rested his head against the cool glass, heaving a sigh. Yet here I am, once again, in over my head. And Deimos expects me to … what, exactly? Lead everyone?

The very idea was hilarious. Or would have been, if Joel had the energy to laugh.

He closed his eyes, taking inventory of his injuries. Though his side and ear were largely healed, as was the shallow stab wound to his shoulder Deimos had so lovingly gifted him weeks earlier, the slice down his back still scabbed and bled occasionally. Emilia had bandaged him the night before, and he would need a change before they left. His hand trailed back, finding where the cloth turned rigid beneath dried blood.

His feet ached from weeks of walking. His head throbbed under the weight of his internal pressures. His heart constricted at the thought of Azalee—and worse, not knowing what happened to her.

She was his destiny. He’d spent too much of their initial journey together wandering from his fated path. Over and over, it had come to haunt him.

He didn’t want to stray from the path that led to her anymore. He’d fallen for her, hard. She wasn’t beautiful in the conventional sense he’d grown up with, but Azalee was much more: feisty, determined, and headstrong. All of those things, and yet unbelievably understanding and caring. She’d fought for Niribelle after Niribelle had betrayed her. She’d found a way to reach him through unconventional means, even when they were miles apart.

He loved her.

Product Reviews

Score: 5 out of 5 (based on 11 ratings)
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5/5
amazing!
Written by M Knight on 15th Oct 2017

Warrior by Deidre Huesmann is the third book in A Modern Greek Myth Series! I would definitely read the first two books in the series before starting this book, since this one starts right where the previous one ended. This author is incredible, she has spun an amazing web and created an amazing story. These characters feel real and can relate to anyone! I almost think of these characters as my friends. It's another amazing 5 star read! I loved it! Warrior starts with Azalee who is starting to recover from her stab wounds. But her recovery isn't going so smoothly, the Mother of Mykonos declares her mistrust for the blistered child, and now that she doesn't have many people on her side, her fight for control grows. Joel is in Athens with everyone else when he learns that he must pick a mortal. What happens when Joel realizes that this is much bigger than picking a mortal? What happens when he realizes that this will be more than just broken bones and blood, that this will be a fight to death in the twisted games. How much more do these characters have to sacrifice? Can they work together to save everyone? Or at least say themselves without feeling divided? Warrior was an amazing addition to the series! There's a war waiting to start, everyone must chose a side, but what side is the right one? How far will everyone go to protect the ones they love? This story is amazing! I read this story in one night, just because I had to know what was going to happen. I'd recommend this entire series to everyone! Grab your copy today!

5/5
Love across the ages
Written by Angelique Armstead on 15th Oct 2017

The modern world collides with the customs and traditions of Ancient Greece in Deidre Huesmann's five star novel Warrior. This is the third installment in this series. I must say it was my favorite as well. The author's well developed characters remained true to who they started out as. I loved the way she created a romance that was influenced by the interference of Greek gods and goddesses. This book picked up right where the previous one ended. Joel is still trying to do whatever he can to rescue Azalee from Theseus and his mother Ianthe. He gets a better understanding of the prophecy that surrounds the Blistered child as he travels to Mykonos with his brother, Deimos, Niribelle, Cleo, and Emilia. There is also the added pressure of keeping his promise to Cleo to rescue her sister from the Thanatos a lesser god. Assassins from Kurios keep turning up which causes unexpected delays as they travel to Mykonos. Azalee is still healing from the wounds inflicted by one of Theseus' guards. She hopes that Ianthe's return will offer her a respite so she can decide whether or not to return to the temple or figure out how to reconnect with Joel. Her love for him allows her to stay optimistic in this insurmountable situation. In reality she is nothing more than a prisoner whether she is in the home of Ianthe or Theseus or in the temple of Selene. She can't contact Joel or Emilia and has no idea they are on their way to save her. All she knows is she can never see herself loving the complicated man who is determined to convince her that becoming his wife and bearing him a child will bring peace to their war torn world.

4/5
Joel sat embracing a beautiful woman at the waters edge but who was she?
Written by Sue on 15th Oct 2017

Warrior Author Deidre Huesmann 4 Stars As Joel sat at the water’s edge he embraced a beautiful woman, she had her head on his shoulder as she into him. He was about to kiss this beautiful woman he held in his arms when he heard a loud noise. Jolting up in bed he realized that he had been dreaming and the woman he was dreaming of was Azalee. Add to the noise he heard Niribelle yelling at Cleo for going in her stuff and to keep out and Cleo shouting back why should I you stole from me first, to which Cleo yelled back that was years ago. In the end, Joel had to hold Niribelle and Cleo apart to stop them from fighting. Deimos and Joel were discussing if the Illyrians would ambush them in the light of day since two of his men were killed. One of the men was their blood brother. Joel just wanted to get to his Azalee so he could bring her home to him. Azalee in the meantime was recovering from a stab wound to her stomach and was being nursed back to health by maids. She was so injured that she needed help to bath and this she hated. Was she captured or free? that she was not sure of. Theseus knows he needs to bring Azalee around to his way of thinking and produce a baby. This baby could end the war or in fact put an end to the Spinels a fact he was always being reminded to by his mother. His mother also reminded him that if Azalee knew of his daily visits to the High Priestess the chances of producing this baby would be slim to none. Meanwhile Azalee’s daily dream was for the love of her life Joel to come rescue her. Would Joel get to her in time? Would Joel even survive the journey to rescue her? And would the war ending baby be conceived by the time he arrived?

4/5
DOES LOVE WIN FOR AZALEE and JOEL?
Written by Martha on 15th Oct 2017

Warrior A Greek Modern Myth is the third and last book of The Modern Myth. You will want to read book one, Blistered and book two, Priestess because one book follows the other, and you won’t understand the characters and their back stories if you don’t. I think this is the best book of the series. You see Azalee’s struggles in the first two book but in this third book you see how helpless she must feel. The High Priestess is lording over Azalee as she recovers from being wounded. Azalee wants to help anyone around her that needs it but it is very hard to find any one she can trust. Her enemies are everywhere. Has Azalee forgotten about the Gods? Azalee finds herself in a power struggle between the Gods. She is determined to do what it takes for Joel to rescue her. Joel loves Azalee more than anything in the world and he will stop at nothing to get to her. With the help of trusted family members, he will do what he must get to her. Azalee and Joel struggle with the Gods because Azalee is their pawn. Will her foretold destiny be true? Her off spring will have amazing power. Will Joel get to Azalee in time? This is a war and things are hard for everyone. Who will be left and who will be destroyed? I really like reading about how Joel and Azalee have matured from book to book. No one understand Joel’s feeling for her but he must protect Azalee. The struggles they face being from two different worlds has been exciting to read. It really shows that two different people can come together and accept each ones’ differences. Deidre Huesmann has written this teen young adult book that has been a pleasure to read. Her writing style is easy to follow and you won’t be able to put it down because of all the trials these two characters face. I will recommend this book to anyone who love modern Greek Myth.

4/5
Warrior (A Modern Greek Myth Book 3)
Written by Bobbi Jo Wagner on 15th Oct 2017

Warrior (A Modern Greek Myth Book 3) by Deidre Huesmann is the third book in the A Modern Greek Myth series. I recommend reading the previous two books first as this one picks up where the second one left off. A great author has the ability to write and make you feel what the characters are feeling and that is exactly what you will find here in this story. This author has created characters that you will connect with and relate too. You will enjoy how these characters connect with each other. This story will take you on a fantasy journey that is full of twists and turns that will leave you sitting on the edge of your seat. The situations in this book will keep you engaged until the end and are very well written. Find out what happens next with these two characters as they continue on the magical journey. This story picks up where Azalee is recovering from her stabbing wounds. She begins to feel that her situation is hopeless as the Mother of Mykonos declares her mistrust for the blistered child. With the few allies she has, she tries to gain some control. Joel and the others are in Athens when the realize that he is the chose mortal by a malicious god. What will he do when he realizes that he must sacrifice his beliefs to reach Azalee? Will it be enough? As promises are broken and blood is spilled will they have to succumb to the gods twisted games? How much will they have to sacrifice? If faced with challenging fate, will they lose? Together these are two strong characters that seem to grow in each book. The more challenges they are thrown into the stronger they seem to become. But will this last challenge prove to be to much for them? How much are they willing to sacrifice? War is war but is there a winner? Are they strong enough to come out on top? Will Azalee be safe? Find out if Joel is willing to risk all to rescue Azalee! This is my third book by Deidre Huesmann and I can't wait to see what she will have for us next. Deidre works in her local shipyard, dressed all in safety gear and getting her hands dirty. When she isn't in the shipyard or writing you can usually find her catching up on her reading, kicking it with her children and playing video games. This story will keep you turning page after page. You will lose your self in the twists and turns. You will want to see what happens behind the next page. You will lose track of time and not want to put it down until the end. You will fully enjoy how this author has created a fantasy story that has great detail and amazing fight situations. I highly recommend this story as I know you will enjoy finding out what happens to Azalee and Joel next.

4/5
Warrior by Diedre Huesmann a fantastic four-star read
Written by Sara Oxo on 15th Oct 2017

Warrior by Diedre Huesmann a fantastic four-star read. This is the third book in the Modern Greek Myth series and what a book, it’s the best in the series in my eyes. This book seems to bring us some conclusions to questions I have been wondering about since book one, but it also has enough in it that you are gripped from the first page to the last. Diedre Huesmann has the most amazing ability to take you away to another place, a place that is both modern and ancient, it’s a wonderful blend of reality and mythology. The whole series has kept me captivated even though I have read each book months apart, they follow on from one another and pick up where the last one left off so seamlessly that you could be reading one very long book, it’s a very rare talent that you can’t see the breaks between books they flow so seamlessly, I normally find some overlap, or confusion in story line, but not here. Because of this, I would definitely recommend that you read each book in the series as they come so Blistered is first, then Priestess then Warrior. If you read them out of order you would get confused, and it would defiantly ruin the reading pleasure you get from the series. When we pick this story up Azalee is recovering from the stab wounds that she received in the previous book, and she has always felt unworthy, but now with Joel’s love will that change things? She knows that she could marry a man she doesn’t love, and her life could be easy, but will her love for Joel stop that? Joel himself must face a terrible choice, something that will shake him to the core. He must face up to the choice and will he choose his love for Azalee or will he choose his faith and family? This is a compelling read and you have to read the series from start to finish, to enjoy it all. But of you like a fantasy YA paranormal romance you won’t go wrong with this series.

5/5
Love Conquers All
Written by Lisa Helmick on 15th Oct 2017

Warrior: A Modern Greek Myth 3 by Deidre Huesmann Rated 5 stars This book picks up where the last one (Priestess) left off. Azalee is in bed at Theseus' house recovering from her wound. Theseus is still trying to convince her to have his baby. His mother is trying to figure out how Azalee got the knife that stabbed her guard. She says it isn't a knife he would have had and her room had no weapons. The High Priestess visits Azalee and is trying to control her and her relationship with Joel and Theseus. Joel and his frenemies ( Deimos, Cleo, Niribelle, Emelie) are still working their way to Mykonos to rescue Azalee and trying to figure out how to rescue Phoebe who was taken by Thanatos, God of Peaceful Death, who is also Cleo's sister. They encounter many trials and tribulations along the way. This is the third book in this series and Deidre Huesmann hit this one out of the ballpark! This book is just as good or slightly better than the last one (Priestess). This story is almost non stop action. There is danger, magic, excitement, treachery and love all embroiled in this story. I really read this very quickly. There is so much activity that time just seemed to fly by while reading. Azalee is so strong and she has endured so much. I like her attitude on many things, how she thinks outside the box. Even Theseus was no match for her and eventually fell in love with her. Joel still seems strong in spirit not physical but that is slowly changing. Ares has graced Joel with his presence which infuriates Deimos. I was confused about the reasoning of this also at first but then I understood why this happened. I am not real sure what happened with Phoebe and Cleo. They were bargaining for Phoebe's release but then no more was written about them. I did not see the ending that came with this story! It was shocking and well deserved all the way around. I love when I am surprised by something that happens in a story. In reading this I am not sure who the book is titled after...Azalee, Deimos, Niribelle,Joel. All of these characters were each entitled to the name of Warrior for one reason or another. Love conquers all

5/5
I also think this is the best instalment in the series
Written by Angela Hayes on 15th Oct 2017

5 Stars Warrior is the third book in A Modern Greek Myth series by Deidre Huesmann. It is a fantasy/adventure story- with lots of action, suspense and drama. The story incorporates a modern spin on Greek mythology which gives this story a whole new level of interest. I also think this is the best instalment in the series; Ms. Huesmann has really hit her stride with this book. As this story is part of a series and as the storyline continues from one book to the next, I would really recommend reading all the books, in sequence- to fully enjoy your reading experience. To have all the character information, backstory and information will enable you to appreciate the story and series, as a whole. This story begins where book two left off- Azalee is slowly recovering from being stabbed. She has danger all around her, but she has a strong will and is quite a capable individual which will hold her in good stead as the story progresses. The High Priestess seems to take great delight in lording it over poor Azalee. But Azalee spends her time planning and forging connections, while trying to figure out what is going on with the High Priestess, as well as Theseus. Meanwhile Joel and the others are in Athens. He has had to put aside his non-violent beliefs as he puts everything on the line in an effort to reunite with Azalee. Is Azalee just a pawn in a high stakes power struggle between the gods? Will Joel succeed in reaching Azalee? What are Theseus’s plans for Azalee? What say will Azalee have in her fate? Azalee’s foretold destiny tells of her giving birth to a child whose power will rival that of the gods. The father of this child is yet to be determined, but that doesn’t stop some from manoeuvring for personal gain. Will Azalee and Joel be able to challenge the gods, as well as their fate? The story is really well written, with quite a few twists and surprises. There is so much happening in the book; as the plot is multi-layered and quite complex. But the various elements and layers were beautifully choreographed into a well-blended, detailed and entirely captivating read. I have really enjoyed seeing Azalee and Joel grow and develop over the course of the series. I have liked Joel right from the beginning of the series, how he was and is willing to risk everything to help Azalee. Azalee is a wonderful character. She is quite a strong female lead, even though she doesn’t give herself enough credit for her strength of character. The only thing I would change is to have made them a little bit older, but that’s my personal preference. The story has a great pace and flows really smoothly. I read it in a night. If you like fantasy and adventure, a story about overcoming almost insurmountable obstacles, wonderful characters, fantastic storyline, Greek mythology, and love that spans distance and time- then this really is the book for you! Thank you Ms. Huesmann!

5/5
Long and Short Reviews
Written by Poinsettia on 14th Aug 2017

Azalee no longer lives in the corrupt temple, but she is far from safe. Azalee’s desperate attempt to contact Joel and her other friends left her defenseless, which resulted in her nearly fatal stabbing. More vulnerable than ever, Azalee is not only at the mercy of Theseus, but the High Priestess as well. Azalee still hasn’t completely figured out the source of the corruption at the temple, but she’s getting closer to unraveling the mystery. However, every move she makes puts her in danger. Will Azalee survive long enough to be reunited with Joel, or will the High Priestess silence Azalee forever? Warrior is the final book in this trilogy. Reader wishing to enjoy this book absolutely need to read Blistered and Priestess first. I am constantly amazed by Azalee’s strength. She never once gives up fighting even when facing seemingly insurmountable odds. She always stands up for those who can’t protect themselves, and she fights to protect the other priestesses at the temple even though they never showed her the slightest hint of kindness. She roots out the truth of the corruption at the temple at a great personal cost because it is the right thing to do. Azalee is the kind of woman I’d be proud to call a friend. Meanwhile, Joel is fighting just as fiercely to find Azalee. As Joel and his unlikely band of friends travel toward Azalee, they are constantly attacked by other Spinels. Joel’s pacifism is sorely tested, especially when a very violent god makes him a chosen mortal. Will this god’s presence be a blessing or a curse? I enjoyed learning more about Deimos and his history. As I predicted, there is more to him than meets the eye. However, Joel’s memories of Deimos are skewed. I would have liked to see Joel and Deimos come to a clearer understanding of each other, but sadly, I’m not sure they will ever have that chance. Of all the characters in this series, Niribelle has changed the most. I found her thoroughly unlikable in Blistered, but as the series has progressed, I must admit that she’s grown on me a bit. I’ve come to respect her. Niribelle continues to surprise me with her ability to make difficult decisions with ruthless determination. I hope she can live with the consequences of her actions. Azalee and Joel’s reunion is bittersweet. I knew it was going to be difficult, and as I neared the conclusion, it was clear that a sacrifice of some sort would have to be made. However, I never imagined it would take the form it did. It simply never occurred to me that such a thing was possible, and yet when it was over, it made complete sense. I’m delighted I had the opportunity to read this compelling trilogy, and I have relished the chance to watch Azalee, Joel, and the others grow and change as I followed them on their journey. I highly recommend this entire series.

5/5
Warrior by Deidre Huesmann This terrific book gets a five star rating from me
Written by Jean Martin on 5th May 2017

Warrior by Deidre Huesmann This terrific book gets a five star rating from me. This book is the third in the “A Modern Greek Myth” series. It continues the story of Azalee, Joel and Theseus. Deidre Huesmann writes an amazing tale of two men and the woman they both want. For very different reasons. The characters are rich and well thought out as is the conflict in the story. The heroine, Azalee is destined to bear a child. Depending on who the father is, this child could grow up to overthrow the mighty Zeus himself. With two men vying for the right to sire this child, Azalee fights to follow her heart to Joel, her true love. Azalee makes a very likable and resilient heroine while Joel stands out as the man Azalee is willing to risk everything for. Deidre Huesmann gives us a story that is full of twists and turns, love and betrayal and perhaps, most importantly of all, it makes you feel with the characters. The fight scenes are well executed and the descriptions in the book are well thought out and rich with a lot of detail for those of us who haven’t yet experienced Greece. This book combines both the old and the modern Greek traditions and philosophies to create a wonderful, rich world. This is truly an outstanding book with an amazingly well built world that encompasses both the modern and the ancient in an amazing mix. I would happily recommend this book to anyone who wants a great love story with lots of action and intrigue thrown in.

5/5
This is the next amazing part of the story of Azalee and Joel
Written by Laura Furuta on 5th May 2017

The story Warrior (A Modern Greek Myth Book 3) by Deidre Huesmann is a fantasy/romance book. This is the next amazing part of the story of Azalee and Joel. This story finds Azalee recovering from being stabbed and being lorded over by the High Priestess. Azalee is always trying to find a way to help those around her even when her situation is a dangerous one. There are enemies all around her and she seems to have been forgotten by the Gods. This doesn’t stop her from forging ahead with plans that will help her and assist Joel in reaching her. Azalee’s situation is a tense one and is not helped by those around her. She is independent and strong-willed. Two things that will see her through her current hardships. She is being courted by a man that seems to have an ulterior motive behind his actions. Can Azalee find out what is really happening and who is controlling things behind the scenes? Joel loves Azalee and will do everything in his power to get her back. With the help of his brother and others, he is on his way to rescue her. Joel has never been a fighter however with the current situation and the help from a surprising source this begins to change. His journey to rescue Azalee is dangerous and enemies will do everything in their power to make sure he fails in his mission. I love Joel’s character because from the very beginning he knows the risks of helping Azalee and still goes forward. The love he and Azalee has runs deep and doesn’t lessen because of distance. Will he be able to rescue Azalee? This is a war brewing and hard times are upon everyone. Who will be left standing? With danger all around there may be sacrifices that are made. The question that will be asked next is how far will you go to protect and save the one you love? This war is messy and has its costs, who will survive? From the first book in this series, I have loved this story. It has an amazing storyline and awesome characters. The author has a wonderful writing style and her stories hold your interest from the first chapter until you read the final page of the book. It is also a series about overcoming overwhelming obstacles and the intense love between two people. I highly recommend this book and the entire series.