Ax is a great wizard and once the King of Jenel favored him. But after the death of his King, Ax was exiled by orders of the new Queen. This did not stop Ax from loving his Kingdom and watching over it. He knew of Jahogroth’s plan and set about devising a scheme to stop him. Ax sent for the one man who would be of great service to him.

Yozerf answered the summons; he had no choice, not as long as he owed his life to Ax. It was a simple request really, all Ax needed was for Yozerf to watch over and protect a noble woman. She had vital information, about the Queen of Jenel, and she must get it to Lord Auglar of Kellsjard. There was a conspiracy to take over the Queen’s Kingdom. Ax told him he would send others to help.

Yozerf (Jonaglir) Trilyehyl is of the Aclytese race, but he is a half-breed, so he is an outcast of his own people. His mixed blood left him sterile and that made him a weak link to their survival. They needed babies if their race was to survive. Yozerf also knew about Jahcgroth’s plans. He had only hatred and mistrust for humans. After living his whole life as something lower than an animal at their hands, he didn’t care what happened to them. But he knew he would have to do as Ax asks, then maybe he would finally be free.

Suchen is the steward to Lord Auglar and while hunting, Ax came to her with a grave message for her Lord. Ax tells Suchen everything she needed to know and sent her on her way. After giving Auglar the message from Ax, Suchen and several of the Sworn, the loyal guards to Auglar, set out to find the lady with such vital news. Auglar had already received word that there was trouble in Jenel and the Queen is his cousin; he was honor bond to help.

When Yozerf and Suchen met strange things started to happen. Yozerf starts to feel things he didn’t believe possible. He is attracted to this human woman and he fights it all the way. Suchen knows what Yozerf is, she has heard all matter of tales about the Aclytese so she didn’t trust him. But for some reason she is drawn to him, she wants to know about him. The more she is around him the stranger she feels. Suchen doesn’t know where this will lead but she had to follow. Her heart wouldn’t allow her any other course. Was Yozerf the creature people told stories about, or was he something else all together?

This book tells of a world of magic and wizards, also dragons and a clan of people who can become wolves. But not werewolves as we know them. I enjoyed this book immensely. The love story is so true to some of the problems men and women still face today. Suchen fights for the man she loves, against her brother and any who would hurt him. And for the first time, Yozerf wonders if he can trust a human. Will their love survive the problems they face? This is the first of three books in this saga. The Crow Queen Book 2, and Dragon’s Son Book 3, will continue their story. I definitely plan to get them. This is a wonderfully well-written story and I’m curious to know what happens. I will be watching for more of Elaine Corvidae’s work in the future.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Diane T.
December 11, 2003