Julie Kenner, Aphrodite's Flame

Aphrodite's Flame

Julie Kenner

Love Spell, Aug 2004

ISBN: 0505525836

The Protector bureaucracy keeps humans safe from misuse of power by Outcast Protectors. When an Outcast pleads for reinstatement they typically are sent to Re-Assimilation Counselors like empath Izzy Frost even though she is only a half-breed and has limited powers. Her current client is the baddest of the bad Hieronymus Black, who insists he has seen the light. Concerned High Elder Zephron knows how law breaking Hieronymus has been so he assigns his cleanest agent, Mordi Black to assist Izzy. Mordi's record of finding traitors is perfect perhaps because of his reaction to his evil traitorous father to stay 100% pure and law abiding.

Reading his mind, Izzy believes Hieronymus has reformed. Also a Halfling Mordi refuses to believe that Hieronymus has changed; he thinks either Izzy went rogue or the Outsider has pulled a brilliant ruse. Already in love with Izzy, Mordi investigates Hieronymus' claim of reformation, but someone wants him and Izzy dead; he concludes that his sire is behind this, but has no proof tying his dad to the crime.

The fourth Aphrodite's tale is a terrific romantic fantasy with intertwining amateur sleuth elements and will be recognized as one of the sub-genre's top novels of the year. Readers will feel that love is all around them yet also experience the suspense of what about Black and the attempts to kill the lead couple. Besides a great romance and a fabulous investigative tale, Julie Kenner makes the fantasy elements seem real whether it is Izzy's sense of smell or her freezing skills let alone the abilities of the purebreds who appear genuinely walking along side us fans.

Harriet Klausner