Soul Magic
Karen Whiddon
Love Spell, Dec 2004, $6.99
ISBN: 0505525941

Alanna of Rune is stunned when her son Caradoc is kidnapped from right under her nose in the safety of their home because many believe the lad is the fulfillment of the prophecy. Alanna's advisor, Wynne the Oracle, warns her that the abduction might destroy Rune as the magic is fading and only fulfilling the prophecy that claims she and a human must mate and begat an offspring will save them. Alanna insists that her son is not the savior as he is a product of an evil night and not from her love of the mortal Darrick Tadhg. Wynne insists that Alanna's only hope lies in Darrick, whom she loved and rejected five years ago without an explanation. To save her son and her people she will face her worst nightmare.

Darrick hates Alanna, but has greater concerns as his castle is under siege by his Uncle Morfram. Alanna begs Darrick to help, but though he still wants her he rejects her plea. Finally she explains why she left; Morfram raped her. Darrick agrees to help Alanna rescue her son and his mother held hostage by Morfram, but success even with a prophecy on their side seems remote at best.

This is an intriguing medieval, fantasy romance that stars two cross-starred lovers who have been separated by the malevolent Morfram. The storyline acts more like an historical than an otherworldly novel, but elements from the latter are included throughout the plot. The secondary characters furbish a feel either fae or period piece to the tale. Though Morfram has no redeeming quality, fans of romantic fantasy will appreciate SOUL MAGIC.

Harriet Klausner