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The Adversary by Thea Harrison – Dual Review

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The Adversary by Thea Harrison – Dual Review

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Description:
When Dragos and Pia move to the Other land of Rhyacia, they hope starting a new life will bring safety and freedom to their family, especially their young baby, Niall. And at first their new home seems perfect… but looks are deceiving.

Beneath Rhyacia’s idyllic façade an ancient, malevolent force lurks, waiting for the right opportunity to break free of its cage. When that opportunity comes, it strikes with devastating accuracy.

While Dragos has never backed down from a fight, he’s also never encountered an enemy like this one before. How can he fight a foe who doesn’t have a body? A foe who can invade and turn his own mind against him?

How can Dragos protect his family, when at any moment one of them may become the enemy?

As Dragos and Pia race against time to fight this unseen menace, they must also acknowledge a terrifying truth—when anyone can become the enemy, no one can be trusted.

An adversary who can trap the dragon poses a threat to everyone in Rhyacia, and that means no one is safe…

•••••••••

Barb’s Review:

The Adversary by Thea Harrison is the 2nd and final book in The Chronicles of Rhyacia.  The Adversary is a 2-book arc that is part of her wonderful Elder Races series.  The story is focused on our favorite couple, Dragos and Pia, and picks up immediately after the last book (The Unseen) left off.

We left off a cliffhanger, as Dragos was possessed by a malevolent being, who takes over his body and mind. Pia calls in all the Sentinels to help fight this new enemy.  She does get a brief glimpse of Dragos telling her to do whatever is necessary to try and stop this dangerous adversary; though Dragos is ultra-powerful, he has been unable thus far to find a way to take control back. 

Pia gives orders to all the Sentinels to hurt this new enemy, in hope to get the entity to leave Dragos’s body.   She was simply amazing, fighting off her fears, and stress, and using everyone to bring back Dragos; proving herself over and over that she was also a strong leader, and the perfect mate to Dragos.

We got to see Dragos fight this possession, as he uses all his knowledge, power, and even magic/spells to stop this takeover. It is a race against time to save Dragos; and just when you think all is well; they learn quickly that this evil being can move into someone else.  How can they stop this unseen being?

What follows is an exciting, riveting, non-stop action filled thriller, with a few twists along the way. I do not want to tell too much more, as you need to read this book, without spoilers.  I absolutely loved seeing all of our favorites again, which included Liam, Rune, Graydon, Eva, Aryal, Carling, Khalik, Grace, Bel, Morgan LeFey, baby Niall and Skeeter (dog). 

Dragos and Pia are such an amazing couple, who are one of the best in the literary world.  I never tire of seeing them in new stories.   The Adversary was a wonderful conclusion to this arc, and so very well written by Thea Harrison. If you are a fan of the Elder Races series, this is a must read. 

 

Sandy’s Reviews:

THE ADVERSARY is the second novella in Thea Harrison’s contemporary, adult ELDER RACES paranormal/ fantasy romance duet focusing on the former leader of the Wyr demes new in New York, Drago Cuelebre, and his mate Pia Giovanni. THE ADVERSARY should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up after the events and cliff hanger of book one THE UNSEEN.

SOME BACKGROUND: Dragos and Pia, along with 20,000 members of the supernatural Wyr leave New York to begin a new life in the Other land known as Rhycia but not all goes according to plan when an unseen force begins to cause a disturbance within the new society-misplaced items, collapsing buildings, and taking control over the mind, body and soul of our story line hero.

NOTE: If you have not read THE UNSEEN, there may be spoilers in my review. The author had plans to write a four-part novella series but at this time, I am unsure as to the number of instalments. Thea Harrison has left THE ADVERSARY open ended, laying the groundwork for future story lines.

Told from third person perspective (Pia) THE ADVERSARY focuses on the fight to ‘free’ Dragos from an ‘unseen adversary’. Dragos is no longer himself, in fact, he is often someone else. Struggling to free her mate from an ancient enemy, Pia and the Wyr, must formulate a plan in an effort to release the ‘unseen’ from her mate’s body but once released, the ‘unseen’ needs another host, and Pia and Dragos find themselves, once again, facing the prospect of losing someone they love. From Azreal, the angel of death, to the Seraphim, Dragos and Pia must accept that life and death are not theirs to control.

THE ADVERSARY is a story of family and friendships, power and control, loss, love, desperation and revenge. Thea Harrison pulls the reader into an action packed, emotional and intense tale of magic and the supernatural, of other worlds and the paranormal, of the power of love for mate and child. The premise is strong and impassioned; the characters are numerous, familiar and charismatic; the romance is magical-the love is palpable.

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The Unseen by Thea Harrison – Dual Review & Excerpt

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The Unseen by Thea Harrison – Dual Review & Excerpt

 

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Description:
Saying goodbye to their old life in the Wyr demesne in New York may be hard, but Dragos and Pia are determined to create a new life in the Other land of Rhyacia.

At first, everything seems idyllic. Rhyacia is paradisiacal. Accompanied by old friends and new allies, the future looks safe and bright for Dragos, Pia, and baby Niall.

But strange things are happening beneath the picturesque façade. Items move unaccompanied, buildings collapse without justifiable cause, and even the most Powerful residents of Rhyacia can provide no logical explanation for the events transpiring. Whispered rumors point to something called the unseen.

As Dragos and Pia investigate, they uncover a greater mystery than they could have imagined, and they realize the startling truth…

They’re not alone in Rhyacia. The land Dragos had thought was uninhabited hides many secrets, a shocking history that’s not quite ready to be buried, and something more.

Something ancient, evil, and hungry. Something that wants to consume Dragos and take everything he holds dear.

Something that just may be powerful enough to overcome the dragon…

 

 

Barb’s Review:
The Unseen by Thea Harrison is the start of a new 4 episode arc, which is part of her wonderful Elder Races series. I have always been a big fan of this series, and was thrilled to learn that Thea was writing 4 novellas around Pia and Dragos, who are two of my favorite couples. It was wonderful to see many of our favorites make cameo appearances.

Pia, Dragos and baby Niall are in the final days of leaving New York (and Earth), and moving to Rhyacia, the Other land to start a new and less stressed life.  Dragos has turned over his command temporarily to Rune until Liam (older son) is ready to take over.   Some of their friends such as Graydon, Ninane, Eva, Bel are also going to live there.  I got a kick out of Pia saving a dog (Skeeter), much to Dragos’s dismay, but she insists that the dog comes with them, and of course the dog falls in love with Dragos. Lol  Baby Niall is only a few months old, but he can shift into a unicorn (like Pia) and loves to stab anyone.  Cute.  It was also wonderful to see the love between Pia and Dragos, which is what makes them such a great couple.

But in a very short time, after they arrive in their temporary new home (another one will be built much bigger), Pia senses something strange that only she can see.  Some of the new buildings are collapsing, leading Dragos and others suspecting that they are not alone in this land.  When she notices a being in her home, everyone teams up to protect each other, especially taking turns watching Niall. 

The first part of this story was fun, spending time with Pia and Dragos, getting a kick out of the dog, Skeeter, enjoying Niall and his antics, as well as being with friends.  But the last third of the book was a surprising twist that took us by surprise, and as we raced to the exciting cliffhanger of a climax, we marveled at Pia’s strength and command, and loved how everyone returned to try and defeat the unknown enemy.  Of course, there was a cliffhanger that has us holding our breath, impatiently waiting for the next book. Thea has warned us that the next two books will also have cliffhangers.

The good news is that Thea will be bringing the other 3 novellas fast, and we won’t have to wait long.  The Unseen was a wonderful start to this story line, with the joy of spending time with a great couple, their friends and family; and then surprise turn of events that changes the game.  If you love the Elder Races, you need to read this new arc.  You can read The Unseen and wait like me for the future books, or just wait for all 4 and read it all at once.  Your choice, but don’t miss this.

 

Sandy’s Review:

THE UNSEEN is the first of four novellas in Thea Harrison’s contemporary, adult ELDER RACES paranormal/ fantasy romance series focusing on the former leader of the Wyr demes new in New York Drago Cuelebre, and his mate Pia.

Told from third person perspectives THE UNSEEN follows Dragos and Pia as they and 20,000 members of the supernatural Wyr begin a new life in the Other land of Rhycia but not all goes according to plan when an unseen force begins to cause a disturbance within the new society-misplaced items, collapsing buildings, and a threat to the life and personal safety of Dragos Cuelebre. Desperate to protect the man that she loves, Pia calls for assistance from Dragos current and former guardians and warriors, assistance that may be needed to save the life of the man that she loves.

THE UNSEEN is a welcome return and revisit to the Elder Races series. With a large ensemble cast of familiar secondary and supporting characters THE UNSEEN pulls the reader into a beautiful, magical but dangerous world of the ‘unseen’, whose actions are threatening the very existence of the eldest and most powerful dragon in this world and the Other. With a little bit of drama, intrigue, fun and familiarity, THE UNSEEN ends on a cliff hanger-you have been warned.

Copies supplied for review

 

 

 

“I think this is the nicest thing you’ve ever done for me.”
He looked faintly mystified as he stroked along Pia’s cheek with his thumb. “I’ve bought you plenty of jewelry that cost a hundred or a thousand times what this makeup box cost.”
Amusement curved her lips. Yes, he had, and it was a measure of his love for her that he was able to actually give the jewelry to her after he had acquired it. But as much as she loved that the dragon gave her jewels, those outrageously expensive pieces never meant as much to her as they did to him.
This, however, was purely about her. He had seen her struggling to let go of something that was pretty minor in the grand scheme of life, and he had taken steps to make sure she didn’t have to. He could have had the makeup inserted into disposable cardboard shapes, and that would have been astonishing and thoughtful enough, but, being Dragos, he had to turn the whole project into treasure.
“Thank you. I love it with all my heart,” she said. Hooking an arm around his neck, she drew his head down to hers.
“That’s all that matters, then,” he said against her lips. His voice had turned husky.
She had told him what she could of the things she struggled with, but there were some things she could never tell him. Never. Savoring his mouth and every sensual detail of his long, hard body pressed against her, she locked down those secrets tight in the deepest, most private part of her soul.
After all, they had already discussed it, two months ago after Pia and Rune’s mate Carling had been kidnapped. The kidnapping had been a ploy by a crazed and embittered Elf to trap and destroy Dragos Cuelebre, who was known throughout the Elder Races as the Great Beast. During that nightmare, Pia had been forced to give birth to Niall in a cave and had met Dragos’s brother, Lord Azrael, the god of Death.
Once, she had just been a New York girl who wore makeup from Target and got freaked out over having feelings for a dragon. She was an herbivore who had to keep her Wyr nature secret, while he was the ultimate predator. Falling in love and mating with him had felt earthshaking and immense all on its own.
But coping long term with the reality of mating with Dragos was like opening an infinity of nesting puzzle boxes. As soon as she opened one and thought she had a grasp on things, she found another box to open, another reality even more immense than the one before.
She remembered the conversation they’d had after the kidnapping as if it had happened yesterday. How many Primal Powers are there? she had asked. The Elder Races only have seven in their pantheon.
You got me, Dragos had said with a shrug. I don’t really have anything to do with them, except I used to have a…let’s call it a certain rapport with Azrael.
He hadn’t been lying, exactly; her truthsense was deeply attuned to him and she was certain of that. But his gold gaze had slid away from hers when he had said it.
And Azrael had said to her, You, of all people, should know how closely related death and the dragon are.
She did, or at least she had thought she had. But there were consequences to that close relation that she had never before queried, until then.
When she’d talked to Dragos, she’d tried to make light of it. To make it safe, as she’d asked him, We’re not going to talk about the pressures of godhood or anything like that?
And he’d brushed the whole thing off. Pia, what does godhood mean? Tiago is a thunderbird. More than half my sentinels have been worshipped as gods in Egypt. Look at the Djinn and what they can do. Hell, look at yourself in the mirror—look at yourself when you’re in your Wyr form. Unless something or someone kills you, you are going to live indefinitely, and your blood heals any wound. That’s pretty damn miraculous in my book. There are many of the Elder Races who have been called gods at one point or other in history, and just as many who have been called demons.
His logic had been unassailable. He was right, but….
But.
Dragos was her husband, her mate, her dedicated lover, and most fierce protector, and yet in many ways he was still a total mystery to her. Some days, she couldn’t help but run that conversation through her mind again. Some days, she felt just like a New York girl who had gotten lost on a lonely road in a country so foreign she didn’t even know its name.
And the only thing that brought her home again was this: his mouth, his hands, his scent. Her body knew every exciting detail of his and craved it. She craved him.
When he shut the door to his office and turned back to her, his movements were tight with the hunger that drove him. She was already moving, stripping off her shirt and wriggling out of her jeans.
As she kicked out of them, he wound one hard arm underneath her hips and lifted her onto the desk. They often took their time with foreplay and teasing, laughing together under the velvet cloak of an indulgent midnight, but this was not one of those times.
He yanked off her underwear, and she eagerly wound her legs around his hips while she pulled his T-shirt over his head to reveal the heavy musculature of his tremendous chest. When he eased the thick, broad head of his erection against her opening, she was wet and ready. Her head fell back, eyes closed, as he entered her.
They fit together like the oldest, truest magic: yin and yang; female and male; dark and light.
It was only during times like these when she felt relief from the doubts and insecurities that plagued her. When all her doubts were vaporized in the heat of passion, and the deepest, most private part of her soul said to him, I don’t care who or what you are. You’re mine.
You’re mine.


 

 

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American Witch by Thea Harrison-dual review

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AMERICAN WITCH (American Witch Trilogy #1) by Thea Harrison-dual review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 29, 2019

Power can change a person…

For months Molly Sullivan endures the inexplicable: electrical surges, car breakdowns, visions. She even wonders if she might be the cause… and wonders if she might be crazy. Then she discovers her husband has cheated on her. Again. Now Molly realizes she is a newly awakening witch and a woman pushed over the edge.

Revenge can shape a person…

Josiah Mason is a Powerful witch and the leader of a secret coven with a shared goal: to destroy an ancient enemy who has ruined many lives. Josiah lost years to this man, and his sole focus is revenge. He’s prepared for every contingency—except encountering a beautiful new witch who understands nothing of the immense Power building within her or the attraction she wields over him.

Danger can bring them together…

When divorcing her husband, Molly uncovers a dangerous secret he’s willing to kill to protect. She turns to Josiah for help, and they discover a connection between Molly’s husband and Josiah’s enemy.

As they work together, a spark ignites between them that threatens to become an inferno. But Molly is done compromising herself for any man, and Josiah’s mission is his top priority. And the enemy is cunning, cruel, and drawing ever closer.

As the danger escalates, so does the tension between them. Is a lasting relationship possible? Will either of them live long enough to try?

••••••••••••

Sandy’s REVIEW:

AMERICAN WITCH is the first instalment in Thea Harrison’s contemporary, adult AMERICAN WITCH paranormal romance trilogy set in the world of the Elder Races. This is forty year old, Molly Sullivan and attorney Josiah Mason’s story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Molly and Josiah) AMERICAN WITCH follows Molly Sullivan in the aftermath of discovering her husband’s latest affair, a discovery that triggered Molly’s latent Powers as a witch. Unable to control the emerging magic, Molly’s Powers are a beacon to the local coven, a coven lead by the new DA, and Powerful witch Josiah Mason. An attack against our heroine leaves Molly battling for her life, a life that is threatened by the man she once loved. Enter Josiah Mason, the man with whom Molly will fall in love but a man who struggles to move on from the past.

Josiah Mason only wants one thing –to end the life of the man who destroyed everything he loved. With his coven hoping for vengeance of their own, Josiah has no time to babysit a fledgling witch, a witch that calls to his heart and his soul. Molly Sullivan, on the run to stay one step ahead of those hunting her down, discovers not everything will go according to plan, and in the end, she is forced to run from the man with whom she is falling in love.

The relationship between Molly and Josiah is one of immediate attraction but Molly is unaware of her burgeoning Powers. Josiah battles between head and heart as it pertains to our story line heroine, a woman who struggles to gain some semblance of the life that is quickly spinning out of control. Molly refuses to be dependant upon Josiah Mason but the palpable sexual attraction is hard to ignore. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to several members of Josiah’s coven including Anson, Henry, Richard and Maria; as well as Sarah, a witch of immense power, her nephew Sam, and the Everwood, California coven of witches.

AMERICAN WITCH is a story of power and control; betrayal and revenge; magic and mayhem. The premise is engaging and enchanting; the characters are colorful and dynamic; the romance is fated and complex. AMERICAN WITCH is an energetic and gripping introductory story from the pen of Thea Harrison.

______________

Barb’s Review:

American Witch by Thea Harrison is the 1st book in her new American Witch series, which is slightly part of her wonderful Elder Races series.  When I started this book, I was not sure what to expect, other then knowing anything written by Thea Harrison would be a great read. I am happy to say to no surprise, I loved American Witch.

Molly Sullivan, is a close to 40 year old housewife and our heroine, and has recently been feeling strange things that she cannot explain.  When she is preparing a party for their anniversary, she finds hidden in one of their draws the proves her husband of 20 years has been cheating on her.  Molly’s anger surges as she loses control of her feelings, and lets it out at her husband in front of the party guests; then she takes everything and leaves the house, while he is still trying to keep the party going.

Josiah Mason, our hero, is the new DA in town, as well as a powerful witch.  He recognizes that Molly is awakening her witch powers, which he can tell are very powerful.   Josiah and his coven have been secretly trying to find someone, who has killed many people, including families from their coven members.  They have all worked together secretly for many years, looking for this evil villain.

When Josiah finds Molly, he explains what is happening to her, and though at first she wants nothing to do with him, she knows she will need help to learn how to control her new powers.  Josiah tries to help Molly, though he knows he cannot stay to help her, as the coven has managed to keep themselves secret.  After Molly’s husband viciously attacks her, to get back papers that she took when she left, she managed to escape alive, and Josiah takes her to the coven’s safe house.  

Despite his attempt to not allow himself to become attracted to Molly, Josiah finds it very difficult and their chemistry together is hot.  Josiah needs to find the person whom they have spent many years searching, and he needs to help Molly leave town, since the safe house was compromised.  He gives her money to leave, and she ends up in California meeting an older women she has visions about in her dreams. 

What follows is that while Josiah works with his coven, Molly learns how to use her powers from the elder woman, Sarah, and the other girls in their coven.  Slowly, day by day her powers grow, and she learns how to control them.  She also becomes very close to Sarah and the other witches, and loves living there. 

A terrible accident severely injures Josiah and Molly flies home to check on him.  Her life is in danger, as the villain senses her powers and is determined to take them.  The ending was an exciting action packed thriller, with Molly needing help from her coven and Josiah’s to survive.  Will Josiah give in to his love for Molly and give up his quest?  You will need to read this book to find out.  Thea Harrison once again gives us another wonderful new arc in the Elder Races Universe. 

 

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Spellbinder (Moonshadow #2) by Thea Harrison – Dual Review

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Spellbinder (Moonshadow #2) by Thea Harrison – Dual Review

 

SpellbinderAmazon / B&N / Kobo / Book Depository

Description;
Kidnapped while on tour, musician Sidonie Martel is transported to the mystical land of Avalon. A human without magical ability, she is completely vulnerable to the deadly forces surrounding her.

When she defies her captors and refuses to share her music, an act of violent cruelty leaves her broken, her ability to play silenced, maybe forever. Her only hope is a whisper in the dark, gentle hands that offer healing, and a man who refuses to show her his face yet who offers advice she dare not ignore.

One of the most feared and powerful sorcerers in history, Morgan le Fae serves a Queen he despises, Isabeau of the Light Court. Once a famous bard and an advisor to kings, Morgan has been enslaved to Isabeau for hundreds of years, acting as enforcer and the commander of her deadly Hounds.

Sidonie’s music touches Morgan in places he had abandoned centuries ago, and her fiery spirit resurrects feelings he had believed long dead. For Sidonie, trapped in captivity, passion offers a comfort she cannot resist.

But Isabeau holds Morgan bound in magical chains that only Death can break. And in the court of a cruel, jealous Queen, the only thing that burns hotter than love is revenge…

 

Barb’s Review:

Spellbinder by Thea Harrison is the 2nd book in her Moonshadow series. I am a big fan of Harrison’s Elder Races series.  Spellbinder is a trilogy within this series, concentrating on the Elder Races in Europe. In the first book of this series, Morgan le Fae was the enemy, though we did know there was a story to be had for him. 

In Spellbinder, Morgan, who is a powerful sorcerer before being bound by Isabeau, and we learn why he did the awful things we have seen him do in some previous books.  Isabeau, who is the Queen of the Light Court, is vicious and terrifying; she owns Morgan forcing him to do her bidding.   We meet Sidonie Martel, a world renowned musician, who is on tour.   Morgan, who was injured in battle, goes to earth to recuperate and be free temporarily from the hated Isabeau.  While resting, he overhears about a female musician who captivates her audience. Morgan will become enamored with her music, as it not only soothes him, but allows him to feel again, something he has not done in hundreds of years. 

One night, Sidonie is kidnapped and transported to Avalon, the land of the light court and Isabeau.  The kidnapper wanted revenge on Morgan, and sensed his feelings for Sidonie.  Poor Sidonie, she had no idea where she was, or why. When she allows her temper to rise against the Queen, she is punished with them breaking all her fingers.  Sidonie, sitting in her prison cell and feeling her ilfe is over, will wake up one evening to find some dark stranger healing her hands.

Rather than to tell too much more, as you need to read this book; what follows is an exciting and sweet slow build romance between Morgan and Sidonie, as well as an tense captivating storyline.  It was great to see Morgan slowly open his heart and love again; allowing us to learn to sympathize and care about him.   In order to find a way to escape, Sidonie will use her music to charm the Queen, allowing her to roam freely in Avalon.  She will do anything she can to find a way to free Morgan too.  The last half of the book was very exciting, with a few twists along the way.  

Spellbinder was another wonderful addition to this trilogy and the Elder Races series.  Thea Harrison once again gives us a fabulous couple, captivating storyline, evil villains, sweet romance in a wonderful world.

 

Sandy’s Review

SPELLBINDER is the second installment in Thea Harrison’s contemporary, adult MOONSHADOW paranormal/fantasy trilogy-a spin off from the author’s ELDER RACES series. This is sorcerer/lycanthrope Morgan le Fae, and musician Sidonie Martel’s story line. SPELLBINDER can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary. Morgan le Fae has been a troubling character throughout a number of the Elder Races installments, and SPELLBINDER reveals the true extent of Morgan’s leashed confinement.

Told from dual third person points of view (Sidonie and Morgan) SPELLBINDER is loosely based in the Arthurian legend of Morgan Le Fay- a powerful sorceress whose name is also synonymous with Welsh folklore of shapeshifting myth.

For hundreds of years Morgan le Fae has been cursed to serve the sadistic and evil Queen Isabeau of the Light Court but her most recent acquisition, a human female and musician Sidonie Martel, finds Morgan attempting to usurp the curse byway of carefully treading around the rules that govern his cursed existence. Tortured and imprisoned, Sidonie will be befriended by a man she knows nothing about but a man with powers that can be used for nefarious purpose. What ensues is the forbidden but building relationship between Sidonie and Morgan le Fae, and their struggle to break Morgan free of Queen Isabeau’s control.

SPELLLBINDER is a slow building story line and relationship between two people thrown together by fate and circumstance. Sidonie is an award winning musician and Morgan has fallen in love with both the woman and her music. Discovering Sidonie has been imprisoned by the Queen of the Light Court Morgan tries desperately to make Sidonie’s life a little more comfortable while he struggles to find a way to set free them both.

Thea Harrison weaves folklore, myth and magic blending the Elder Races with the Moonshadow trilogy hinting at the origins of the Elder Races themselves. From fae to lycanthrope, sorcerers to dragons, gods to humans, the world of the supernatural comes alive when Thea Harrison puts pen to paper. The premise is entertaining and intriguing; the characters are colorful, dynamic and strong; the romance is seductive and intense. SPELLBINDER is a wonderful and exciting installment in Thea Harrison’s MOONSHADOW trilogy.

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