"Fantasy Story with a Romantic Ending"

Jinissa is a Calavarian witch, a woman born of a race both feared and reviled, but she is also a woman of honor and integrity. When her powers can save an innocent child's life, she doesn't hesitate even though she knows that the payment for her services will be nothing less than death. Fully prepared to pay for her crime, Jinny is granted an unexpected reprieve with the arrival of Lord Stephan, who brings the news that the king himself wishes to interview her.

Together they embark on a long and dangerous journey. Through the cold of winter's early bite their relationship grows. They learn not only about each other, but about themselves as well. He finds that she is more than a witch, and she finds that he is just a man. As their destination looms before them, they find the shackles of duty are heavier than ever, for there is no future possible between a Witch and a Lord.

WITCH'S JOURNEY was born straight from the traditions of modern fantasy. From the semi-medieval setting to the quest- mental and physical-of the characters, the book rings with echoes of duty and honor and the quest for More Knowledge. There is a romance in the story but the heart of the book is not the relationship between Jinny and Stephan, but more, as the title explains, Jinny's growth as both woman and Witch. Jinny and Stephan do have a fairly graphic sexual relationship however, and the story does have a happy ending. Readers searching for a hot and heavy romance twisted around a tale of magic and mystery may find themselves disappointed, but those who enjoy today's fantasy tales and would like a touch more interaction between the characters will enjoy the story. This reviewer did, however, find that the ending left a few plot threads trailing off. One hopes that there will be a sequel (soon!) to resolve the outstanding plot threads.

Reviewed by Ann Leveille
Posted December 2, 2002

Original release: Dreams Unlimited (February 2001), ISBN: 1820592605
"Watch Stephan and Jinissa's love flourish and restore faith"
Reviewed by Leslie Tramposch

Summary

When Jinissa uses magic to save a child from a bad fall, she reveals herself as both a Calavrian witch and a spy. In the land of Lendiil magic is regarded as evil and its practicers as hopelessly corrupt. Jinny is convicted of witchcraft and condemned to torture and death.

Before the sentence can be carried out, however, a delegate from the king arrives, announcing that the king wants to question the witch himself. Lord Stephan has been sent to fetch the witch. A long trip over the mountains gives Jinny and Stephan time to get to know each other better. In the face of all the things that should keep them apart, including Stephan's deep and well-founded hatred for her people, they begin to learn the truth about each other and fall in love.

Stephan is an honorable man, loyal to his king, and his feelings for Jinny will cause only conflict. And Jinny, for her part, is determined to escape during the trip, because she's sworn to keep her people's secrets, even though her background ensures that she will never be welcome back in her own country. With so much to keep them apart, is there any chance for Stephan and Jinny to find happiness together?