Romance Book Reviews
Page One of TwoKiss of Fate by Mary Jo Putney
Ballantine, June, 2004Hardcover, 340 pages
ISBN: 0345449169
Subgenre: Historical
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
In the mid-eighteenth century Gwynne Owens has always
been surrounded by magic, although she doesn't have
any powers herself. She is the daughter of the librarian for
the wealthy and powerful Guardians, mages who
wield their gifts secretly in order to preserve England and
Scotland. When Gwynne is told by the Council of the Guardians
that they would like her to marry Duncan Macrae, the Scottish
Guardian, Storm Lord and mage, she resists at first but finally agrees.
After her marriage, Gwynne finds out that she actually has incredible
powers herself. She adjusts to being the mistress of a Scottish castle,
but when Bonnie Prince Charlie arrives to raise an army to
rebel against the English occupation, Gwynne knows that
she has a decision to make. As a Guardian, Duncan is sworn
to uphold the English king to avoid the greater harm to the country,
but as a Scotsman, he longs to use his power to help the Jacobite
rebellion. Now Gwynne must make a terrible choice between the
man she has come to love and her sworn duty as a Guardian.
Mary Jo Putney has an amazing gift for making the past accessible. In this first book of a projected new series, magic is interwoven with real historical events with fascinating results. The Guardians are in society, and yet outside of it at the same time. The female Guardians are much bolder and have much more freedom than other women of their time. Ms. Putney weaves a wonderful and passionate love story between Duncan and Gwynne, with vivid supporting characters and a breathless pace. This is an outstanding beginning in what is sure to be a fantastic new series.
The Last Mermaid by Shana Abe
Bantam, June, 2004Paperback, 580 pages
ISBN: 0553584979
Subgenre: Fantasy
Ordering information:
Amazon.com
Prince Aedan of the British Isles has never believed in the legends
of a beautiful siren who lives on the enchanted island of Kell.
But when his ship is attacked, Aedan is saved by the siren herself,
Ione. But Aedan fulls a strong pull of duty -- his kingdom and his
people need him. So begins the fascinating trilogy which winds
together three stories -- one set in medieval times, one in the 18th
century and one in modern-day. All three stories are linked by
an old legend about a siren who lives on a magical island and
a man with whom she is linked. The stories are all told
in different voices, with differing points of view -- which gives
the reader three different persectives on the story. Shana Abe
has an interesting way with words, and her characters are
complex. They really struggle to make the right decisions. These three
powerful and magical love stories are the perfect summer read.
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