Date published: January 2011
ISBN: 978-0-425-23862-2
Fantasy Romance
Trade Paperback
Reviewed by Valerie
Obtained by publisher
Here are four short stories set in a world of danger and passion. Jean Johnson gives her fans these new stories set in the same world as her Sons of Destiny novels.
SUNDARA – the first story introduces us to Eduor, a war-slave who is given the opportunity to be free. He comes to a village where he meets Chanson, an Arbran dyara. He also gets the opportunity to take care of the land of a man who has left for war, and if he doesn’t return until after the harvest is brought in, he gets to keep it. He also falls in love with Chanson, but the soldier returns unexpectedly early.
GUILDARA – Sir Zeilas comes to Guildaran as a diplomat to turn Arbran’s former enemy into an ally. Maybe though, when he meets the Guildaran leader an alliance of another sort would be better.
AURUL – Gabria is sent to Aurul because of a prophecy. She thought she was being sent as an envoy, but she is in for a big surprise, when the Seer King expects her to marry him. And he comes with an extra surprise.
JENODAN ISLES – Mage Captin Ellett has been sent to the Jenodan Isles, on a mission for his Seer King. It seems to be a long time before he finally meets the pirates that have been the cause of a lot of trouble on the coasts. Is another match in the making when he meets the beautiful, feisty pirate’s captain?
I really enjoyed these stories and savored them slowly. I think I have been missing something as I haven’t read any of the Sons of Destiny novels yet. I need to rectify that as soon as possible. Ms. Johnson has created an intriguing world and just as intriguing characters to inhabit it. Her stories are very realistic, the plots are written with heroes and heroines to root for. Her love scenes are sensually erotic and in no way over the top. Although they are pretty normal they are quite stimulating to read…phew! There is a lot of emotion.
I especially liked the first story and it was wonderful to see how Eduor was able to overcome his fears and phobias. I also really like the story set in Aurul with Gabria and the Seer King. Although she is to be a bride and has time to get to know her husband-to-be, she also has a lot of learning to do culturally and traditionally. Not so easy for her, especially when the Seer King is a rather special man and has an extra surprise of his own. I also loved the way Ms. Johnson wove her magic elements into the story. It was like reading an epic fantasy and I could really see these stories as a movie before my eyes as I read. I am sure that those who are already fans of the Sons of Destiny novels will love this offering. I know it’s whetted my appetite to go catch up!
This is an objective review and not an endorsement of this book.
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