Helpful Score: 3
In an intriguing departure from her popular werewolf romances (Secret of the Wolf), Krinard takes readers to a realm where the Faerie and mortal worlds intersect and spins a darkly magical story of love, betrayal, and redemption. Based on ancient Celtic lore and set in the remote, forbidding forests of northern England, this well-written tale takes a powerful guardian spirit of the forest determined to save his race and a young woman whose innocence has unknowingly been bargained away by her father and gives them a dilemma that only love-and a little bit of magic-can resolve. A cast of exceptionally well-done secondary characters (most notably a villainous aunt and a wise, enchanting child), the excellent use of language, and an intricate, nicely unfolding plot add depth. Although the novel falls firmly within the fantasy romance subgenre, its compelling characters and the universal nature of their underlying conflicts should guarantee an across-the-board appeal to general fantasy fans and other readers. Krinard is a best-selling, highly regarded writer who is deservedly carving out a niche in the romance arena. She lives in Concord, CA.
Helpful Score: 3
Predictable and strangely detached story. You never really feel connected to the characters. I've been entertained by Krinard's supernatural work before, but this one wasn't worth the time. Her werewolf novels are a bit better. She doesn't do as well trying to tackle the world of the fey.
Helpful Score: 2
The prequel to Lord of the Beasts, another excellent book from Susan Krinard.
Helpful Score: 2
Another marvelous contribution by Susan Krinard. Thoroughly enjoyable!
Helpful Score: 2
Not really my cup of tea. The hero was a bit to austere, and the premise was a little strange.
Helpful Score: 1
I aways enjoy Susan Krinard! Fantasy romance. Good!
Helpful Score: 1
a very good book, well written. will keep you up till you finish it.
From the back cover:
After a night of heated passion six years ago, Eden Fleming made the shattering discovery that the man she was about to marry was no mortal. He was a monster, a woodland guardian spirit named Lord Hern who needed an heir to end the exile that had been imposed upon him. Devastated by his deception, Eden fled Hartsmere and wed another.
In a deep sleep for the last five years, Hern, the Forest Lord, had been informed that Eden the woman hed courted all those years ago and who had shunned his true form has returned to hartsmere, along with the boy hes been told was dead. Vowing to steal back his son and wreck vengeance upon the woman who had betrayed him Hern assumes the identity of a servant named Hartly Shaw. But with each moment he spends with the elegant woman and his beautiful son, his heart begins to cast off the bands of iron that have bound it and he becomes devoted to finding something that will redeem the woman he has come to love
After a night of heated passion six years ago, Eden Fleming made the shattering discovery that the man she was about to marry was no mortal. He was a monster, a woodland guardian spirit named Lord Hern who needed an heir to end the exile that had been imposed upon him. Devastated by his deception, Eden fled Hartsmere and wed another.
In a deep sleep for the last five years, Hern, the Forest Lord, had been informed that Eden the woman hed courted all those years ago and who had shunned his true form has returned to hartsmere, along with the boy hes been told was dead. Vowing to steal back his son and wreck vengeance upon the woman who had betrayed him Hern assumes the identity of a servant named Hartly Shaw. But with each moment he spends with the elegant woman and his beautiful son, his heart begins to cast off the bands of iron that have bound it and he becomes devoted to finding something that will redeem the woman he has come to love
After a night of heated passion six years ago, Eden Bradwell made the shattering discovery that the man she was about to marry was no mortal. He was a monster, a woodlands guardian spirit named Lord Hern who needed an heir to end the exile that had been imposed upon him. Devastated by his deception, Eden fled Hartsmere and wed another.
In a deep sleep for the last five years, Hern, the Forest Lord, has been informed that Edenthe woman hed courted all those years ago and who had shunned his true formhas returned to Hartsmere, along with the boy hed been told was dead. Vowing to steal back his sonand wreak vengeance upon the woman who betrayed himHern assumes the identity of a servant named Hartley Shaw. But with each moment he spends with the elegant woman and his beautiful son, his heart begins to cast off the bands of iron that has bound itand he becomes devoted to finding something that will redeem the woman he has come to love...
In a deep sleep for the last five years, Hern, the Forest Lord, has been informed that Edenthe woman hed courted all those years ago and who had shunned his true formhas returned to Hartsmere, along with the boy hed been told was dead. Vowing to steal back his sonand wreak vengeance upon the woman who betrayed himHern assumes the identity of a servant named Hartley Shaw. But with each moment he spends with the elegant woman and his beautiful son, his heart begins to cast off the bands of iron that has bound itand he becomes devoted to finding something that will redeem the woman he has come to love...
Fairy lord schemes to have a child and revenge on a mortal woman
I absolutely loved this book. It was total fantasy and full of twists and turns. There were some inevitable parts to it, but I was also surprised on others.
It's got just the right amount of romance build up, and the plot doesn't drag on. I found myself really routing for Hartley and Eden's love. I even dreaded when something bad popped up, just totally stuck in suspense and concern.
I will def check out the sequel. I hope it's as good!
The author has a smooth, believable style and the dialogue flows practically and nicely.
This will stay on my shelves as one of my new favorites!
It's got just the right amount of romance build up, and the plot doesn't drag on. I found myself really routing for Hartley and Eden's love. I even dreaded when something bad popped up, just totally stuck in suspense and concern.
I will def check out the sequel. I hope it's as good!
The author has a smooth, believable style and the dialogue flows practically and nicely.
This will stay on my shelves as one of my new favorites!
Susan Krinard writes great romances! Her characters usually have some depth, and there are a number of twists in this book that I totally did not see coming. If you are a fan of fantasy or of Regency/Jane Austen type books, you will probably find this worth a read. There is magic, mystery, faked death, baby switching and a host of other interesting things in this book. I give it five stars.
When I first started reading this book, it was a little weird. However, it turned out to be a really good book!!
Not my favorite Krinard tale. Very dark and slow-moving.
I enjoy reading Krinard. But this book was not as memorable as her werewolf books. As others have said, the premise is good, but I did not become attached to the characters as I did with the wolf books.
Good book
