"Thrilling start to a new trilogy about fascinating shapeshifters."

Young Gillian was left an orphan by the plague at the tender age of eight. Rescued by the upyr, a group of shape-shifting immortals, she was made immortal and raised by the pack in the wilderness. An inquisitive child, she matures into an inquisitive adult, questioning the life she lives with the pack. Even more, she longs to know of the world she was once a part of, the world of mortals. When those of her pack cannot give her the answers she craves, she escapes to seek a life among the humans. In order to move more freely, she takes a young falcon as a familiar, becoming one with the beautiful bird.

Aimery Fitz Clare is mortal, the second son of a noble house. He's also a master falconer, and his life becomes entwined with Gillian's when he captures her familiar. In her human form, Aimery is entranced by Gillian's beauty and determined to make her his own, much as he has done with the falcon. Unsure of Aimery, Gillian keeps her true self hidden until an accident, when she's the falcon, threatens her life and forces her to resume her human shape in front of Aimery. Though stunned by her transformation, Aimery remains steadfast in his devotion to her.

There are many dangerous elements within the Bridesmere keep. Aimery's older brother, Edmund, is jealous of Aimery's physical strength and abilities; Edmund's wife, Claris, disdains her husband's affections and desires her brother-in-law; Brother Kenelm, the keep's priest, knows much more about the upyr than even Gillian; and the mysterious Nim Wei, one of the elders of the upyr, has come to the keep, intent on learning more of Gillian. When Aimery is poisoned, all that Gillian holds dear is threatened, and she must turn to her past to save the man she loves.

Ms. Holly has written a thrilling paranormal romance, the first in a trilogy. She's created a world filled with fascinating characters, both mortal and immortal, and added elements of mystery, intrigue and sensuality that will keep readers eagerly turning the pages. I'm looking forward to reading the books to follow and learning even more about the mysterious upyr.

Reviewed by Paula Myers
Courtesy Old Book Barn Gazette
Posted April 9, 2003

Medieval England

Rescued from certain death by a pack of shapeshifting immortals, young Gillian yearns for the world beyond their cave. She flees as a hawk, only to be captured by a master falconere whose kindness wins her heart. But can this forbidden love survive her jealous brethren baring their fangs?

Summary

Deep in a cave in the Scottish forest live the children of midnight, shapeshifting immortals who can run as both wolves and men. Young Gillian has been rescued by their leader from certain death and transformed into one of them. She would be happy if her heart did not yearn for the world beyond.

Aimery Fitz Clare is human, second son to a noble house, and a master falconer. To him Gillian flees in the guise of a falcon, hoping to escape her immortal keepers. To her surprise, Aimery's kindness is a powerful seduction, and never mind his beauty and warmth! But does she dare embrace this forbidden love, and can it survive her jealous brethren baring their fangs?