I love this book! Utterly enchanting! The characters complimented each other and the love that bloomed between them was so romantic!

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This was a medieval story with lots of realism and originality. Treacherous brother Richard the Fair insists his two half sisters leave their convent school and rejoin his court. His closest counselor is feared by all, a "wizard" who is the power behind the throne. He is educated in eastern practices learned thru horrors as a crusader. Simon beleives he has lost his soul as a result of the inhuman devastation of the holy wars. The story centers on how the innocent sisters find a future in this ugly court with the help of the tortured wizard and an honorable knight.

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While not my absolute favorite of the wonderful Anne Stuart books I've read so far, it is still....Anne Stuart! And, when that is said one needs little more. She is a master at uncovering unique characters with amazing depth. Simon is a perfect example. He has built a reputation as a dark wizard who cares for nothing or no one save what furthers his interests. Alys, is the plain, older sister ( a rather generic heroine - but wait! it's Anne Stuart!) who carries a myriad of fears such as horses, thunderstorms, and dark wizards, to mention a few. Yet she is fiercely loyal to her younger, beautiful sister and strong in her faith (she was raised in a convent) which forces her to confront those fears on a daily basis. See? Incredibly interesting characters molded from rather average stereotypes. She never allows the reader to become complacent as those characters never act in any formulaic way but constantly surprise, disappoint and grow. Just like real life.

My only complaints are that it starts a little slow and has a very abrupt ending. It REALLY needed an epilogue or at least a confession of love with a little more to it.

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slow moving and rather passionless romance. not highly recommended.

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Couldn't put it down until finished.

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