"A good short fantasy romance"

If one is looking for an enjoyable, pleasant read where the connection between the characters is immediate and unforgettable, this story is guaranteed to please.

Young Vilia was of the fae. When she crossed the portal that only opens once every fourteen years, between her world and Earth, as a young child, she never expected to find happiness. But find it she does, in the form of a young boy named Trevor. After spending a glorious afternoon together, she must return home. She promises to return again in fourteen years and asks him to meet her there.

Now is the time the portal is again open and Vilia has never forgotten the young boy who charmed her heart; nor has he forgotten her. Trevor had become obsessed with the place they met, Airy Mountain, returning the fourteenth year, in hopes she'd be there again. His sister comes along with him on the final trip, and there they meet not Vilia, but Alain, her brother, sent to find Trevor, as Vilia is a prisoner. However, this can be the last time Trevor and Vilia see each other, for they would die if crossing worlds forever. Or would they?

This is a nice story for a pleasant, short read. Being a fan of the paranormal, and having read other works by Ms. Toombs, this reviewer knew the story would not be disappointing. Having a fondness for the Fae folk also made this tale more enjoyable and memorable. Also worthy of note is that this story was not about one romance, but two, though one is slightly more emphasized then the other. Though the story is quite short, the reader does get a good feel for the characters and what drives them.

There was one thread of the story that this reviewer would have liked to see a little more back story on, but that would have been difficult to do within the page constraints. The premise of why Trevor and Vilia couldn't be together was unique as well. It reminds the reader of the importance of balance in life. How the problem is resolved is a nice little twist that readers will appreciate. All in all, this is a remarkable short story meant for a good escape.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, January 2004. All rights reserved.

Reviewed by Kelley Hartsell
Courtesy Love Romances
Posted April 22, 2004

Summary

As a boy of twelve, Trevor met a fey little girl named Vilia by a hillside. Before she vanished, she promised to meet him in fourteen years at this same spot. Something unforgettable about her drives him back to that hillside at twenty-six. What he finds there is beyond belief....