Juno Books

AMAZON QUEEN by Lori Devoti

"Devoti's fascinating mix of myth and reality will keep readers engaged." -- Publishers Weekly on Amazon Ink

"Lori Devoti's writing talent spins a web of magic around the reader. And with a story like this one, I hope never to get free. Outstanding!--Huntress Reviews (5 Stars)

"An entertaining read with a unique urban fantasy setting.... The idea of an urban fantasy setting based on an Amazon tribe's adaptation to the modern world is a nice change from the popular vampires, werewolves and fairies, and the twist at the end leaves much potential for future sequels."--Corpus Christi Examiner

April 2010
Mass Market Paperback
384 pages | $7.99
ISBN: 9781439167724

On Simon&Schuster.com
Being an Amazon ruler just became a royal pain.

Amazon queen Zery Kostovska has never questioned tribe traditions. After all, these rules have kept the tribe strong for millennia and enabled them to live undetected, even in modern-day America. Zery is tough, fair, commanding--the perfect Amazon leader. At least, she was. A new high priestess with a penchant for secrecy and technology is threatening Zery's rule. Plus, with the discovery of the Amazon sons, males with the same skills as their female counterparts, even Zery can't deny that the tribe must change. But how? Some want to cooperate with the sons. Others believe brutal new leadership is needed--and are willing to kill to make it happen. Once, Zery's word was law. Now, she has no idea who to trust, especially with one powerful Amazon son making her question all her instincts. For Zery, tribe comes first, but the battle drawing near is unlike any she's faced before . . . and losing might cost her both the tribe and her life.

Don't miss Amazon Ink! (Book One)

Reviews of Amazon Ink

"This debut book is a fantastic kick-off for the budding Amazons series, and author Lori Devoti imbues urban fantasy with new depth in creating her Amazons and their descendants. The author's creativity and resultant storyline are a beautiful blend of the real and fictional.... Amazon Ink sets a high bar for future installments in the new series. Filled with continual plot twists, extraordinary characters, and endless creativity, Devoti's cast of Amazons rejuvenates the urban fantasy genre, peopling her world with a group of supernaturals that offers a welcome alternative to the dearly loved yet too-familiar Others that frequent this genre's leading character types." -- Curled Up With a Good Book

"Lori Devoti has demonstrated her ground-breaking talent in previous releases, and her skill shines even brighter in her first book about an out of the ordinary subject.... Lori Devoti knows how to entertain and captivate by keeping the surprises coming one after another...[she] expertly blends the truths we know with the legends of the Amazons to create an exceedingly noteworthy story, one filled with dynamic characters and a convincing premise. From the very start of this book, I felt as though I was reading about actual people who might live in my community yet posses various atypical plus hidden abilities. Each individual seems to come alive in personality...As each disclosure of the many mysteries is divulged, I was engrossed by every fascinating revelation. Lori Devoti has crafted an outstanding urban fantasy with strong characters plus creative writing, and I cannot wait to read more about this believable world. AMAZON INK is an enchanting novel brimming with mystery, emotion and an abundance of magic." -- SingleTitles.com

"FIVE STARS! This story is full of surprises and quite a few twists as well. I had no time to get too comfortable before something happened to throw me for a loop. I can hardly wait for the second release in what appears to be a new series. Lori Devoti's writing talent spins a web of magic around the reader. And with a story like this one, I hope never to get free. Outstanding!" -- Huntress Reviews

"Amazon Ink, by Lori Devoti, is an entertaining read with a unique urban fantasy setting....Amazon Ink's world... is original and intriguing. The idea of an urban fantasy setting based on an Amazon tribe's adaptation to the modern world is a nice change from the popular vampires, werewolves, and fairies, and the twist at the end leaves much potential for future sequels." Corpus Christi Examiner

Even though gender and family roles take center stage in this urban fantasy novel, there is a unique twist on the Amazonian mythos that offers a touch of ethnicity blended with mythology. The primary goddess behind the Amazons is Artemis, who you may remember from Greek mythology. Tattoos are part of the "magic" in Amazon Ink, which is part of the reason why Melanippe is a suspect in both the Amazonian world and the human one. There are a few male characters that offer great counterpoints to Mel's impulsiveness; Pete (a tattoo artist she ends up employing) and Detective Reynolds. If you're looking for their characters to be weak-willed and subservient to the Amazons, you'll be sadly disappointed. There's a little bit of sexual tension that makes you wonder whether or not Mel will end up in a romantic entanglement, which adds a little bit of spice to Mel's passionate character.

I have to say that I liked the twist on the Amazonian culture because there are several unique facets to it that were revealed in the first book. The interpersonal character conflicts heat up as the mystery takes center stage, enhancing the pacing and my curiosity to find out the real culprit. (Not only did I guess the identity of the murderer wrong, but I also got the murderer's motives wrong, too.)

As the first urban fantasy book in a series, Amazon Ink is a fast read with enough twists and turns to hold your attention and keep you wanting for more. This would be a good book for anyone who enjoys powerful characterizations and high magic in their urban fantasy novels." -- Flames Rising

"This is an interesting urban fantasy starring a courageous amazon whose fumbling investigation seems apropos for an amateur sleuth as she is like a bull in a china shop once she begins her bungled inquiry. The story line is fast-paced but Mel makes it work as her actions bring the fantasy elements especially the nomadic Amazons alive and well in Madison. With a fabulous late twist, Lori Devoti sets up further AMAZON INK thrillers." -- Alternative Worlds

"I wasn't going to read Amazon Ink because I thought a race of strong, intelligent, highly independent women would be unable to find any men to match them. Boy was I wrong. I am extremely thankful to Erica Feldon [Juno's publicity person at Pocket] for sending me the amazing story Amazon Ink. This is going to be a hot urban fantasy series, full of incredible twists, and I look forward to learning more about Mel, her family, the men in her life and her friends." --Scooper

"Mixing myth and modern day is no mean feat, but Ms. Devoti does [it] with ease. All in all Lori Devoti makes her way through the forest that is Urban Fantasy and does so completely unscathed." --Preternatural Reviews

"Amazon Ink... had a really refreshing take on the Amazon legend that was perfectly integrated with the 'real' world to create a seamless urban fantasy experience. Lori Devoti's mythology and detail made the world of Amazon Ink come to life and helped the characters feel more complex. The characters... are bonded together by realistic relationships and complex adult problems that make the story even better... I enjoyed Amazon Ink far more than I thought I would. I picked up the book because I thought the story might be fun (and maybe a little campy), but I ended up getting hooked. I'm excited for the sequel, Amazon Queen."--Diary of a Book Addict

About the Author

LORI DEVOTI's first urban fantasy was Amazon Ink; Amazon Queen is her second. She's also authored two contemporary romances and more than half a dozen paranormal romances, and has been a finalist for many awards, including the Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award. She lives near Madison, Wisconsin, with her husband and children as well as two dogs.

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