Patricia Rice, Mystic Guardian

Mystic Guardian

Patricia Rice

Signet, Jul 2007, $7.99

ISBN: 9780451221698

In 1789 Pouchay, Brittany, although the villagers are starving to death including her sister Francine, Mariel St. Just has one hope to save all. Before her mamam died, she dreamed of a golden god saving her people. When Mariel sees Trystan l'Enforcer at sea, she follows him. To his shock, the protector of the Isle of Aelynn watches her come ashore; an impossible event due to the force field preventing outsiders from coming onto the isle.

Even more mystifying than Mariel reaching the beach is his immediate attraction to the Frenchwoman. He soon realizes the God chose her as his soulmate and that she must be a hybrid, more mermaid than purebred human. Still in spite of his desire for her Trystan refuses to intervene on behalf of the villagers. Mariel steals the battered chalice that she plans to sell for food before swimming to France. Trystan follows to bring her and the sacred Chalice of Plenty back to Aelynn where it belongs.

Despite rumblings of discontent among the people and the danger she and Trystan face in retrieving the chalice, Mariel cannot deny the sensual charge sizzling between them. But what do the Oracle of Aelynn's predictions portend for this golden god and his siren of the sea?

This is a terrific historical romantic fantasy that uses the events leading up to the French Revolution as a realistic anchor for the mystical elements. The lead couple is a strong pairing as both are in love with the other, but also feel that loyalty to their respective people must come before personal desires. Sub-genre fans will want to read the first Mystic Isle thriller as Patricia Rice provides a charming magical tale of two worlds.

Harriet Klausner