The Nine Kingdoms

After learning that the last few months of her life were not what they seemed, discovering that she herself has magic, and getting poisoned by a black mage, Morgan of Melksham is unquestionably exhausted. The poison, by rights, should have killed her but, instead, she is alive, although not strong enough to tie her own shoes. Harder to deal with, though, are the truths that have been revealed to her, not the least of which is the fact that the “farmer” she has been travelling with is in actuality Prince Mochriadhemiach (‘Miach’), archmage of the realm of Tor Neroche. For a woman and warrior who eschews magic of any kind, this is bad, but still not as difficult as accepting the fact that she, herself, has powers.

Instead of mending fences with Morgan as he wishes to do, Miach finds himself saddled with additional duties to the realm. The evil force that has been attacking his magical defenses has continued even after his enemy Lothar was sent running back to his own realm after poisoning Morgan, and Miach has no idea of its source. While attending his brother Adhemar’s interminably long wedding ceremony, Miach suddenly realizes he can no longer ‘feel’ Morgan’s presence. Panicked that he might have waited too long and she was more damaged than she seemed, he rushes to her last location. Learning that Morgan is still alive brings his heart rate back to normal, but Miach decides to put aside duty for love, for once, and go after her. But will the evil take this opportunity to renew its attack on the realm?

A witty and romantic addition to the trilogy, THE MAGE’S DAUGHTER is a thoroughly enchanting tale of love and acceptance. While the first book, STAR OF THE MORNING, set up the foundation of the conflict our hero and heroine face, this second tale fills in the background information on why they are fated to save the world. Morgan has always been a strong and competent woman and an even better swordsman, but has little time for either mages or womanly pursuits. Frankly, she’s always thought that the only good mage was a dead one. When she is physically unable to do the things she used to after being poisoned, it’s a difficult pill to swallow. Harder to deal with, though, is the knowledge of her past, hidden from her since a childhood trauma, and the fear of the future. Toss in a handsome mage hinting heavily of romantic things, and Morgan is thoroughly flustered. Miach is the ultimate fantasy hero: a gorgeous and powerful man with a wonderful heart that he is willing to give to the woman he loves…if she’d just give him a chance to apologize for his previous omissions.

The romance takes center stage in this story, building slowly, surrounded by a backdrop of intrigue and bouts of swordplay. The tale has a lighthearted quality generated by characters, primary and secondary, who are absolutely charming. Readers will get to revisit with Miach’s brothers, learn a bit more about Weger and Nicholas, and meet Morgan’s family. A sweeping tale, THE MAGE’S DAUGHTER builds on the foundation of the first book and sets up our heroes for the coming clash in the final book in the trilogy. Engaging characters -- family, friends, and enemies -- keep the story hopping along with readers relishing every word and hungering for the next installment, earning the tale the coveted Perfect 10.

Kathy Samuels