A Price to Pay


Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
305 Pages
Reviewed on 03/21/2021
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite

Jason Hubbard's book A Price To Pay features Melindra's awakening at Vincent's castle with amnesia. Keeping her loss of memory a secret, she discovers that she was a duchess and cruel sorceress. She starts trying to make amends for her wrongs, and news spreads about her changes. Melindra receives a message that Vincent wants to visit, and she agrees, despite the odd comments that her advisors make. When he arrives, Vincent brings along his four wives to play croquet while she discusses her leadership decisions with him. Much to her dismay, the visit unearths dire events Vincent had planned for their future. Why did she live alone? How did she become so powerful? Why was Vincent an ally, even though her intuition stated otherwise?

A Price To Pay is a mystical fantasy story with unprecedented character development. Jason Hubbard created a story where I could never predict what was going to happen, and I felt I was discovering the clues alongside Melindra. The storyline is intricate, but the timing of the major action scenes was seamless. The added element of the unknown is mesmerizing; I had difficulty putting the book down. The character flaws of Melindra made her realistic, and she had issues with overcoming her need for control. She wasn't a good person but at the same time, she wasn't evil. I understood her reasoning in trying to make amends for her wrongdoings of the past, but she wanted recognition of her superiority. I would recommend this magical story to high school-aged readers and above. The profanity is rare and while sex is alluded to, it isn't written in detail. This is a 5-star novel that will be awe-inspiring for anyone that loves magical mystery stories.

Pikasho Deka

A Price to Pay is an epic fantasy novel written by Jason Hubbard. Melindra wakes up devoid of her memories in an unfamiliar castle ruled by the vampire and Lord of Carsis, Vincent. Melindra discerns that she happens to be a powerful sorceress who rules the people of Feldon from her castle at Valor. After a visit to the city of Paris on earth, Melindra returns home to learn about her tyrannical past and feels remorseful seeing the oppression under immortal royalty. She vows to be a better ruler, but a devastating threat looms over the horizon that could change lives forever. Melindra must quickly choose between the vampire lord and the Prince of Freya and hunt down the broodmother.

A Price to Pay is a wild rollercoaster of a ride that primely entertains you with a well-written tale of sorcerers, vampires, and demons. The plot moves slowly till the halfway point as author Jason Hubbard eases the reader into his fantastical world methodically, but it picks up the pace significantly toward the latter half of the book. The characters are colorful and quirky, and it makes them wondrously entertaining to read. I enjoyed the relationship dynamic between Melindra and Prince Robert and felt compelled by the unpredictable nature of Vincent. I also enjoyed the two epilogues, and they make me wonder if there are any sequels in the works. Jason Hubbard's fantastical world feels highly imaginative, and it doesn't take long to immerse yourself in it. I think fantasy lovers would enjoy A Price to Pay.

K.J. Simmill

In Jason Hubbard's A Price to Pay, Melindra awoke with no idea of who she was. The face in the mirror was unfamiliar, the people she should know were strangers. But her instincts told her not to let on, that not everyone near her could be trusted if they saw her weakness. It's hard to play along with plans when you don't know what you're doing and fear asking too many questions. But one thing becomes clear; she is not the person she thought she should be. When fragments return, and she sees the truth of her past, she has a decision to make; to continue on her current path, or embrace the life once led. No matter her decision, there will be a cost, but which price is she willing to pay?

A Price to Pay by Jason Hubbard is an epic fantasy that explores the concept that one person has the power to change the world, for better or for worse. The third-person narrative is descriptive and engaging, allowing you to get a great feel for the world and characters. I enjoyed the travel to alternate worlds and Melindra's interpretations of things she hasn't seen before on Earth as she relates it to the knowledge she has. I've read countless amnesia stories and thought this was executed really well, with a few questions and twists included along the way. I enjoyed the way flashbacks were brought in via diary entries, and the complex plotting and undertakings that develop through the plot. I thought the idea of how the Fire, the source of magic in a person, is obtained was unique, and I found myself drawn towards some of the side characters. Although their roles were small, their influence was great. A great fantasy with everything from magic and war to vampires and a play for power as one woman fights to make a decision that will influence the very future of the world.