ADRIENNE - D. Renee Bagby Bron Universe, Book 1 Publisher: Samhain - www.samhainpublishing.com ISBN: 1-59998-523-3 July 2007 Fantasy Romance 2006 on Earth; Ulan and other Kingdoms of Bron in 6954 Adrienne Backett is a college English teacher's aide. She will soon graduate and become a teacher. As she is preparing to go home for spring break, she is accosted by Josh, a student who holds a grudge because of a failing grade, and his friend, Greg. They drag her into the woods to rape her and take pictures of everything. In Ulan, a bored King Malik is sitting on his throne being serviced by a member of his harem when High Chancellor Travers brings him the news that his bride has been found on an alternate Bron called Earth, and only Malik's magick is strong enough to create an interdimensional portal to go to her. Boredom becomes rage when Malik sees what is happening to Adrienne in the crystal orb Travers holds. Bound and gagged, Adrienne is surprised beyond measure when her assailants become the prey of an angry man who is quite proficient with his sword. Not an entirely auspicious beginning for Adrienne and Malik. Malik will have to work to win her. Adrienne is swept away to a place where magick is common. Warring nobles, danger, intrigue, spells, counter-spells, and sentient, panther-like cats are part of a world foreign to her. As Malik learns to bend a bit, Adrienne discovers that she has powers of her own and gradually comes to terms with the fact that she and Malik are soul mates. Royal attendants Qamar, Khursid, Bayard, Indiver, Flavian, Mushira, Hani, and Nimat serve and protect the royal pair. On a happy occasion, Adrienne and Malik return to Earth for a visit with her family. But, Hollace, Juven, Oringo, and other assorted villains strive to destroy Malik. Adrienne disappears through a mage-spelled portal and all of Ulan is in chaos as despair threatens to overcome Malik. Wow! ADRIENNE is an exquisite example of world building, and D. Renee Bagby kept this reader on the edge of her seat. All of the characters are complete, and I could hear the dialogue and feel the tension. The writing is superb, the action is almost non-stop and brings to reality so many lovely ideas about magick and transportation. I was biting my nails in reaction to all the perils, betrayals, danger, treachery, hope and joy that are such integral parts of this splendid romance. Get it, read it, keep it. Vi Janaway