Dangerous Tides
Feehan, Christine.
New York: Berkley Pub., c2006.
The Drake sisters are the 7 daughters of a seventh daughter or something equally magical. The first book mentions a prophecy about them all finding love in the same year but after that, they don't go into detail. Personally, I would like a bit more of a reminder of the lines to keep it alive. Though paranormal, the books deal strongly with the power of family and sisterhood in particular.They can communicate telephathically, and aid and comfort each other over great distances. Each book deals with a sister finding true love, from the eldest to the youngest. This gives you time to start appreciating each member.
Dangerous Tides is the fourth in the series and features Dr. Libby Drake. Not only a successful physician, her magical ability is to heal by taking pain into herself. Her love interest is a genius biochemist that she's always admired from afar. Turns out he felt the same way. Unfortunately being a scientist, he can't accept her belief in magic. This provides much of the drama and tension as he treats Libby as if she's alternately crazy, then brainwashed by her family. Throw in a jealous rival, death threats, and stalking. This sounds like a hokey premise but these are pretty good books. I would recommend them if you want a light diversion.
- Drake Sisters Series:
- Magic in the Wind
- The Twilight Before Christmas
- Oceans of Fire
- Dangerous Tides
- Safe Harbor (Summer 2007)
For more information on other series by Christine Feehan, check out her
official web site.
Innocent in Death
Robb, J.D. (Nora Roberts)
New York: Penguin Group, c2007.
NYPSD Lt. Eve Dallas hunts for the killer of a young male history teacher. He leaves behind his devastated young wife, who'd sent him to work with a lovingly packed lunch. Shocked and dazed colleagues and grieving students at his private school remember him fondly. Investigation leads to a verdict of death by ricin, and more secrets among the faculty. Yet who or why would someone murder a man so nice, so ordinary, so innocent of any wrongdoing. Concurrent to her investigation, Eve has to grapple with Magdalena Percell, an old flame of her billionaire husband, Roarke. What are her motives in arranging lunch and business meetings? Is this woman a threat to her marriage? Eve finds it hard to focus on her case. In the shocking conclusion, a killer is brought to justice.
I can't believe that this is the 24th full length novel to feature Eve, Roarke, Peabody, McNabb and the rest. I've read them all plus the 3 short stories. They are beginning to be a bit formulaic but still keep me interested. I think a big part of that is my love of series and the ongoing character development that Roberts, herself, loves and does so well. This story really ups the ante with the appearance of Roarke's old girlfriend -- one who left him this time! It was neat to see Eve get upset about this, to show she does have a softer side. Many fine arguments ensued and another opportunity to show Somerset isn't as opposed to her as they let on. The actual mystery portion is also good, it took me a while to figure out who she suspected. I won't spoil it by telling but let me know how many chapters it takes you to figure it out.
Check out her web site for a chronological description of the rest of the series and a 2 chapter excerpt.
Chronicles of the Warlands (Warprize, Warsworn, Warlord)
Vaughan, Elizabeth A.
New York: Tom Doherty Associates, 2005, 2006, 2007.
This is escapist reading at its best. The series combines romance and fantasy and exotic locales that let you forget your troubles for a while. The first book deals with Princess Xylara becoming the Warprize. Her mountain country is being attacked by people of the plains, who eventually are the victors. She believes that in order to save her people, she must be given in slavery to Keir, the commander of the Firelanders. All her life she has heard horrific stories but she is a trained Master Healer and can do nothing else but serve her people as her king decides. The rest of the story deals with her coming to terms with what's happened and starting to journey towards Keir's homeland. It's very fast-paced and has lots of interesting descriptions of what the scenery is like, new foods, new friends, travelling by horse -- all the joys of a new culture. It's very nomadic and romantic.
The second book has more intrigue, politics and "magic". The two main characters, Keir and Lara, are firmly attracted to one another. She better understands her position so this allows the author to build up tension in the form of enemies to Keir's position. They encounter a new plague that results in the death of loved ones but still remain committed to their mutual vision of combining the two lands and peoples. Meanwhile, the class of Warrior Priests is introduced as a counterpoint to Lara's methods. The Warrior Priests keep themselves aloof and mysterious so many of their people believe they use magic, if they'll even condescend to heal you.
The last book begins with their arrival in the Heart of the Plains and Lara's testing as Warprize. This one has more actual fighting but still lots of politics. There's a fantastic scene where Lara gets to display more of her determined attitude when the council tries to intimidate her. Towards the end, there is actually some magical, mystical events for those of you who want more fantasy. I won't say more and risk spoiling the story for those of you who think you might enjoy being taken away from it all.
I just couldn't put these books down. I love series where I get to keep learning more and more about the characters. It's supposed to be a trilogy but I really think there's room for continuation even if only a book of short stories to gather up the threads of Marcus', Simus' and Heath's lives. Of course, a fourth book about Lara and Keir as WarKing wouldn't be a bad idea either!
Her web site has sample chapters if I still haven't convinced you.