"A Magical Journey!"

Thraxis, a highly trained sorcerer of the Athraskani clan, is about to embark on a transformational journey with a barbarian named The Arrow That Flies, a choice he made rather than be claimed by the beautiful but domineering sorceress Melilandra.

The task to assist this strange woman, Arrow, is unclear. Additionally, she does not realize he may not be able to fulfill because of his weakening powers. For he has had a spell cast upon him by Balthazar, a sorcerer gone awry and the one with whom he will have to contend in this adventurous quest.

Interspersed within the journey to Arrow's lands we are introduced to her prowess as a warrior and the burden she carries as the one who will rescue her people from disaster, a burden that increasingly troubles her because of the mixed motives behind her clan's leaders.

Elaine Corvidae creates a remarkable balance between the physical, mental and emotional battles of Thraxis, Arrow, Balthazar and other members of both clans. The far greater change to Thraxis occurs internally as he learns beyond his book studies what it is like to appreciate and work with nature around him in ordinary, daily tasks, as well as the sensitivity he needs to acquire about what may be given and what may be taken. Indeed, he gradually comes to love living in the process and learns what it means to truly love another being unconditionally, a challenge he has never envisioned to be so deeply beautiful.

The language is bold, clean and spare, getting to the heart of whatever conversation, battle, magic spells, suffering, or joyous occasion is occurring.

Darkness and light again contend with each other in this novel, and its resolution is quite engaging with a most pleasing conclusion.

Great addition to paranormal, adventure or romance fiction lovers' TBR list!

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal
Courtesy Crystal Reviews
Posted June 20, 2005