"A thrilling ending to a fascinating trilogy"

Alan McDonnel has been near dying for months, and his youngest daughter, Rose, is at her wit's end on how to cure or even treat her father. Gifted with the power to heal, Rose is one of three McDonnel sisters who have inherited their mother's magical talents. But her healing touch has failed her in this matter, and she turns to the only other person she knows of that could possibly save her father -- William McKay, the Wizard of the North. Rose travels to McKay's castle to solicit his help, only to find the man is a virtual prisoner in his own home, misunderstood and hated by the villagers he seeks to help. It takes all her powers of persuasion to convince the reclusive wizard to come to Glen Laire to help her father, but Rose succeeds and the two are soon off, along with McKay's young daughter, Deidre.

William McKay had spent most of his life trying to forget he has the power to heal most extreme illnesses. The people of his village are frightened of him and when he is unable to save his wife from dying at childbirth, he retreats further from the world outside. His only delight is in his tiny daughter, Deidre, who seems to have inherited his gifts with a talent of her own, the ability to talk to animals. The McKay's live a sheltered but seemingly happy life until the day Rose McDonnel showed up insisting on his help in saving her father. Perhaps following the young damsel in distress will help William to come to terms with his own abilities.

As they make the trip back to Glen Laire, Rose and William soon find that they can help each other as well others. William is drained when he heals, and Rose is able to bring him back to health, and together they make a powerful combo. They also discover they have a powerful attraction to one another as well. When the unknown evil that has been plaguing Alan McDonnel makes itself known, it's up to William and Rose to not only help Rose's father, but to rid the entire family of the threat to their very existence.

In "My Shadow Warrior," Jen Holling wraps up her "The McDonnel Brides" trilogy in a thrilling and very satisfying manner. Throughout her series, Holling has kept the continuity of characters and storylines impressively easy- to-follow, and intriguing enough to insure her readers will want to know the conclusion to the story of the three sisters with the magical powers. I would love to see a follow-up book with the story of William McKay's daughter, Dedrie, and the McDonnel grandchildren. Thank you, Jen Holling, for a great summer of reading.

Reviewed by Sharon Galligar Chance
Posted August 1, 2005