Harriet Klausner's Review Archive
She is right because they have loved once before when she was Halla who lived on Othinsey circa 1104 with her missionary uncle and his family. Odin didn’t want Christ worshippers on his island so he sent his son Vanir to kill them but he fell in love and was unable to do it. He was prepared to leave Asgard and stay with Halla but Odin destroyed that dream. Now Halla has returned as Victoria and is once again in danger from Odin who fears that his son won’t be there to save him on the day of Rangorak. Vanir vows to save her this time and find a way to be together but fate is immutable and some things are not meant to be unless someone can get the Fates to change their minds.
Kim Wilkins has written one of best and most beautiful romantic fantasies in years. The hero is prepared to die for his love or give up his mortality while Victoria fights the supernatural creatures on the island who destroy to gain Odin’s favor. Her love for Vanir is so beautiful it will bring tears to the readers’ eyes because she doesn’t seem like she will get the happily ever after they both desperately deserve.
Shadows of Prophecy Rachel Lee Luna, Jan 2006, $13.95, 496 pp. ISBN 0373802196
Giri and Ratha are Anari, a long lived race that the Ilduin and the First Born immortal Archer created so that the earth would have one race that turns their backs on war and seeks peace. Sara and Tess are Ilduin women of formidable power much of which they are not aware of. Tom is a seer. These six people journey to the Anari city of Anahar so that Sara and Tess can visit the temple to learn about their power and heritage.
The rest of the Anari train for war against the Bozandari who conquered and enslaved them now for three generations. The peace loving Anari know they need to fight if they want to preserve their heritage. However, even if the Anari can win against a well trained fighting force, they must contend with the Evil One, who has a very special relationship with Archer. They must defeat this malevolent being because he is gaining more powers through his minion that will eventually enable him break out of his caged exile to reenter the world he was banished from.
There are six protagonists in this romantic fantasy and the author easily switches view points so readers know what they are thinking and feeling at all times. Sara and Tom are a couple, Archer who feels guilt for what he sets in motion refuses to allow his feelings for Tess to surface and is not at all sure she wants to love an immortal who caused the upcoming catastrophe. Through Tess’ eyes readers see the horrors of war. Rachel Lee has written a work that has romance, intrigue, graphic battle scenes and awe inspiring acts of bravery.