The Sultan and the Storyteller Review

 The Sultan and the Storyteller by Lichelle Slater is an “A Villian’s Ever After” story. If you enjoy this author’s twists on familiar fairy tales, then you’re really not going to want to miss this book. The author weaves a story of a far-away kingdom, deep in the sands. A sultan who is seeking a wife, after his first was discovered to have been unfaithful to him. But families are fleeing this kingdom. Every night the sultan takes a new bride, and in the morning...she’s found dead. When Shahira’s sister, Kiara, reads their friend Jade’s tea leaves they point to danger ahead. Then the truth is made known. Jade has received her summons to be the Sultan’s new bride. In an attempt to save her friend, Shahira offers herself in her place. While Shahira has pushed aside her gift, being an orator, she must use it now if she is to survive the night and help the sultan.

The Sultan and the Storyteller is probably my favorite story by far by this particular author. The characters are engaging, the storyline is well-written, and the romance builds at a good pace. Now, be forewarned, that the romance does develop a bit quickly since it happens over a matter of days, but it works because there is a secret. I love the layers of this story. Shahira fears her powers, but only because of the tragedy that struck her the day she told a particular story. I appreciate that she’s a very clever character and that she doesn’t let her “dislike” of the sultan completely cloud her mind and her heart. This story is a real page-turner and one that I’m sure that many will enjoy.

I can’t say that there is anything that I didn’t like about this book whatsoever. The author invokes readers' emotions in this story and even brings in a couple of familiar characters as well. There are twists, surprises, hope, angst, and a heartwarming ending that will have you sighing with content. This book is a clean romance and is perfect for readers who enjoy romances and fairytales with a touch of fantasy. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars. Absolute perfection and I look forward to reading more by this author in the future.