by Laurell K. Hamilton

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have been waiting for the continuation of this story since the last book ended and I think it was worth it. People complain about how descriptive LKH is about everything in her books, but this is not a short story and so I want to know what’s going on with everything I can. This is about creating a scene that is visual and brings you into the story itself, that is what happens here, you cannot help but be pulled in because you know what the setting is so well. It has been five (5) years and I was happy to have the men described to me in minute detail, it gave me a thrill to sit back and see them again after so long. I love this series and the characters who populate it. They are like friends who have been on vacation only to come back for a visit that is not nearly long enough.

Merry is very heavy with child and about to deliver any day, she cannot find out who the father or fathers are until then. That is both a good thing and bad thing since Taranis, the King of Light and Illusion and Merry’s uncle is claiming that he is the father of one or all of her babies from his rape of her. Though she was pregnant when he raped her, he is delusional and believes she consented and was grateful for his rescue. It’s hard enough becoming a parent without having your crazy, powerful uncle trying to claim them and you as a prize.

With everything else that is going on Merry is finding herself being taken to those who carry her nail around their necks as a talisman. She has become a kind of deity to them though she refuses the title. She and the men she love are all waiting for the children but are also dreading the fight they know they will face in order to stay safe and keep their children safe from harm.

This book was a lot more tame than any of those before it as far as violence and sex. With the coming of the babies things have been toned down for the time being. There is happiness, love, lust, pride, loss, and redemption to be found between the pages of this book. If you love or even like the of LKH you will be happy with this entry. I just hope it is not the last we will be hearing from Princess Meredith Nic Essus and loves.