If you are looking for a different spin on a Regency novel, this is it. Barbara Metzger combines fantasy, an after-life with Satan and a Regency romance into one story. Our hero, Sir Coryn of Ardsley starts out as a knight of the Crusades. Upon his death, Coryn becomes one of Satan's Grim Reapers -- collecting earthlings for Satan's work. He's been about his work for nearly 500 years when Coryn wagers with the Devil and wins -- six months back on earth to try to atone for his past sins. Satan makes the wager more interesting by offering to let Coryn live a full (term) life -- if he can find the unique hourglass the Devil has hidden on earth.
Imogene Macklin meets Coryn just after the Battle of Waterloo. She is a destitute widow, pregnant and shunned by the other British soldiers' wives. Genie's husband did not die in battle, he was shot by the husband of his paramour (in her bed).
Admiring Genie's courage and kindness, Coryn quickly offers her marriage. Knowing she is not Coryn's equal, Genie hesitates. She is afraid she will bring shame to the earl's fine family. Genie is in awe of Coryn's almost magical abilities and his ability to converse in a whole host of languages. She is confused by this man who exudes kindness and generosity, but who is unaware of some basic social conventions. Since Coryn seems to be an honest fellow, in spite of his strange behaviors and attitudes, Genie decides to marry him. What choice does she really have?
The love story between this couple is told with loving attention. They grow together through their attention to the crosses they must bear - individually and as a couple. Genie is shocked and gratified when Coryn calls her unborn baby -- their baby.
I personally felt the book slowed to a crawl while Genie made peace with her sister and then her family. There wasn't anything wrong with the book -- it just didn't speak to me. I've never been a fan of fantasy but I felt Barbara Metzger handled it well. The author had a unique way of maintaining the quest for the hourglass before the reader; I thought that was cleverly done. 3.5 stars
Imogene Macklin meets Coryn just after the Battle of Waterloo. She is a destitute widow, pregnant and shunned by the other British soldiers' wives. Genie's husband did not die in battle, he was shot by the husband of his paramour (in her bed).
Admiring Genie's courage and kindness, Coryn quickly offers her marriage. Knowing she is not Coryn's equal, Genie hesitates. She is afraid she will bring shame to the earl's fine family. Genie is in awe of Coryn's almost magical abilities and his ability to converse in a whole host of languages. She is confused by this man who exudes kindness and generosity, but who is unaware of some basic social conventions. Since Coryn seems to be an honest fellow, in spite of his strange behaviors and attitudes, Genie decides to marry him. What choice does she really have?
The love story between this couple is told with loving attention. They grow together through their attention to the crosses they must bear - individually and as a couple. Genie is shocked and gratified when Coryn calls her unborn baby -- their baby.
I personally felt the book slowed to a crawl while Genie made peace with her sister and then her family. There wasn't anything wrong with the book -- it just didn't speak to me. I've never been a fan of fantasy but I felt Barbara Metzger handled it well. The author had a unique way of maintaining the quest for the hourglass before the reader; I thought that was cleverly done. 3.5 stars
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