Linked by Blood
Kathy LaneFantasy romance
Available from The Wild Rose Press
ISBN: 1-60154-946-6
July 2011
| In this sequel to Bloodsworn: Bound by Magic, the story continues with the death threats against Avera and Devlin as she learns how to cope with leaving behind her life on Earth to function in a magic-based world. Devlin's uncle, a dark Bloodsworn, still wants to prevent the Seventh Prophecy of their marriage from coming true. For that to happen, he needs Avera and Devlin dead so he can take Devlin's place as the ruler of Illian. At the same time, Avera is being told by the all male Bloodsworn High Council that, as a female, she can't possibly be a Bloodsworn or be able to bond with her own Blade. She has to prove herself which leads to far more consequences that anyone could have predicted.
This book, while it can be read as a standalone, is a delightful continuation of Bound by Magic. In addition to Avera and Devlin's problems and romance, we have the budding romance between Avera's Bloodsworn First Blade, Bracca, and an empathic widow of Silver Blade tied to Avera's Starmate, Devlin. As with the first book, this story is tightly plotted with one crisis after another. Every time Devlin thinks he has his lady protected, the villain of the piece, his blood thirsty, and possibly mentally ill Uncle Camarie finds a new way to attack them. The fact that Bracca was one of Camarie's Black Blades, then found a way to break the evil-based bond and become linked to a human female only makes him more determined to make them all suffer. From the fight scenes to the romance, this book has everything. The characters are real and likeable. It's a fast paced ride with plenty of action. The plotline for the current book and the continuing plot line of Camarie's feud with Devlin mesh perfectly for a great story. Even the way Avera begins to learn about magic and her new abilities in this world is extremely logical and well written. I can't wait to read more from Kathy Lane. I'm definitely calling both Bloodsworn books the kind you keep and reread.
Overall rating:
Reviewer: Kathy F. |
