Sharron McClellan, The Seeker

The Seeker

Sharron McClellan

ImaJinn, 2004, $13.75

ISBN 1893896250

Iliana the trancer gave up her magic to save the life of a child from the reaper Mako (see THE GIVEN). Most of her keep display open hostility towards Iliana, feeling she sold herself as a "trancer whore" to the reaper. Her friend Aria and the Lord of the Keep Talon seem to somewhat understand what Iliana did, but even with them, the marked trancer keeps her distance. Warrior Lore desires Iliana though she shows no interest in him except as a teacher training her to be a fighter so she can protect herself from the angry assaults of others. For personal reasons Lore wants to refuse to take her on as a student.

Talon learns that another Mako female Medea seeks the powerful Orb of Dalis though no one knows that her plan once she possesses the power is to first kill Iliana for stealing Mako from her. Lore accompanied by Iliana seeks this potent artifact before Medea obtains it in case it can harm his people. On the quest, Talon and Iliana fall in love as each discovers much about the other and the goddess that rules over everyone.

This is an exciting romantic fantasy that will hook readers the moment that Iliana cannot receive service without disdain. However, the tale really takes off once young Benn informs Talon of Medea's pursuit of the orb. Iliana and Lore are terrific heroic protagonists facing incredible obstacles. Though reading the delightful first tale would help the audience better understand the geas that Iliana has imposed on herself, sub-genre fans will still find plenty of enjoyment with fantastic Sharron McClellan's magical journey to self and couple discovery.

Harriet Klausner