"A unique and intriguing look at the brilliant world created by Ms. Asaro"
Charm Headwind is a young country girl who has never
desired anything but to work her family's apple orchards.
Unfortunately for her, she was born with impressive mage
talents that she needs to keep hidden. If anyone knew just
how strong her abilities were she'd have to leave her home
and move to the royal palace to be trained. However power
like hers can only be hidden for so long and the day comes
that Della No-Cozen, Mage to the Royal family, finds Charm
and takes her away to learn the ways of the Shape Mages
and possibly wed the heir to the throne. In a matter of months Charm's life is turned upside down.
Just as she is starting to settle in to her new role, when
she is finally beginning to feel like she fits in, another
powerful mage, Iris, is found who holds abilities unlike
anyone has ever seen. At the same time, Muller, Charm's
betrothed and the former heir, is released from his future
position. In the middle of all these changes, a
neighboring land's ruler decides time is ripe to overthrow
Aronsdale. Now Muller and Charm must use their love and
their abilities to help the new king, Muller's cousin, and
his young wife Iris to conquer the evil pervading their
homeland. This is a unique and intriguing look at the brilliant
world created by Ms. Asaro. The land where power is held
by those strongest in the magic of colors and shapes will
capture the imaginations of many readers, be they fans of
romance or fantasy, or both. The imagery is vivid and
readers will be enveloped in the lives and world of the
characters. The rules of society are well defined, giving
this fantasy the feeling that there could be such a world
out there somewhere. Though some aspects of the magic and
life found there get confusing at times, by the end of the
book, one will understand how things work in Aronsdale. The players in this saga are brilliantly rendered. Muller
feels like he can never measure up and that he is twisted
inside, never to be free of the cursed abilities. Charm
feels like she will never quite fit in to the elegant life
of royalty, being more comfortable climbing trees than
learning magic and propriety. These two are set adrift
when their world changes. If not for the love they found
in each other, they'd be lost. Jarid, the new king, is a
tortured man; eaten up with guilt over something he did as
a young boy that he could not control. Iris is a simple
mountain girl who comes in to her own when she is taken
under the wing of Della and the royal advisors. If readers are looking for a well-told fantasy tale that
takes place in a brilliant world of magic, then The
Charmed Sphere is for them. The sequel to this book, The
Misted Cliffs looks to be a winner as well. So why not run
out and purchase both books today? © Kelley A. Hartsell, July 2005. All rights reserved.
Reviewed by Kelley Hartsell
Courtesy Love Romances
Posted October 10, 2005
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