Peaceful
Caithen is about to go to war, but this is not just any human war with its
terrible destruction and at least a chance of winning. This is a fantasy land surrounded by the
Mycenean Empire and the Sarian nation, lands where the depths of darkness
reigns with dragons, wizards, poisons, and darkness never imagined.
Tam, the daughter of a scholarly and
brilliant doctor, knows about some of these terrors but refuses to be
intimidated by them. Yes, she knows fear
but isn’t ruled by it. Chaperoned, she
arrives in Caithen and almost immediately sees someone die and has a horrific
vision during the event! This vision
does terrify her and distracts her from the normal courtly gossip and
jealousies that are routine matters here.
That’s all about to end though as she meets Corin, the Prince of
Caithen, a handsome, strong man who is about to fall hard and fast for Tam, a
commoner!
Corin
knows something recently happened to him that is to be immensely significant to
him and his kingdom but for some odd reason he just can’t remember. However, he has little time to ponder that as
it is clear the Sarians have begun traveling to attach not only Caithen but
also every town, village and city between their land and Caithen. Corin is tense with worry and plans for a
battle he knows they cannot win, because of the dragons who will be part of the
attacking army. After many short,
serious and sweet conversations with Tam, he not only knows he wants to marry
her but also that she has some secret powers that he could use in his plans but
which he avoids initially because of his fierce need to protect her.
These
are two level-headed, practical characters who know when to be fiercely
romantic, sometimes surprisingly on the part of bold Tam. Though she has never loved like this and felt
such desire, she abandons herself to what her body and mind are telling
her. This develops into not only passion
but also the realization that she will not be shunted away out of danger but
instead will play an integral part in the plan Corin has to save Caithen before
the Sarians can destroy it and all who reside therein.
Readers
will enter the world of magic, mesmerism, dragon flight, “blood dust,” and
finally an internal battle in the depths of the earth that are stunning the way
the author describes them. Corin and Tam
may prevail but the journey will be almost indescribably dangerous and not without
unforeseen consequences.
Anne Leonard
knows how to craft a paranormal fantasy that is never dull, intriguing with
just the right amount of details, and cleverly plotted to impact on the reader’s
interest. You won’t be able to put this
down; and if you’re a new or old fan of fantasy, this is definitely a MUST for
your next read! Highly recommended!
