"Robin D. Owens shows us a 'familiar' side of romance!"
Robin D. Owens has created a fabulous world in Celta and
continues to fascinate us with this culture in her second
novel Heart Thief. Ms. Owens weaves an intricate story of
suspense, love and prejudice by telling us the story of
Ruis, the Null that stole the heart gift in the first
novel. Ruis Elder has been shunned by the Celtans as a Null.
Where flair and spells drive the culture; a null cancels
out all of this when within his range. Since the Celtans
don't understand his ability they pre-judge him and banish
him from Druida. Only one Judge on the council sees him for
more than he is, Ailim. Ailim D'Siliverfir is a SupremeJudge, however on the day
she stumbles in and sits next to Ruis in the court hall she
is going before the noble council herself. But as she sits
with Ruis she finds for the first time she can rest, as her
flair has a tendency to deprive her of peace. Ailim's flair
centers on reading minds and sensing the truth of
situations. This rare close contact awakens in Ruis a
feeling he has never known, and for Ailim the stirring of
something more pure than flair. At first Ailim does not realize he is anything less than
a noble man. It is not until Ruis is called before the
council that his Uncle presides over, where he is judged
and condemned to banishment from Druida, that Ailim
realizes her mistake. But regardless of it she senses an
injustice and curiosity to know more of a man that drives
up her pulse without the benefit of flair. Ms. Owen's story is full of Celtan romance, charm and
history. And of course no character is complete without
their Fam. And Ruis is granted, at the time of his
banishment, a huge Calico cat named Samba to keep him
company in his banishment. As the offspring of the FamCat
Zanth in Heartmate, Samba really makes this book fun with
her attitude and loyalty. I swear I will never look at my
cats the same. Although the characters are interesting I find the
driving force in this book is the fantastic Celtan world
Robin D. Owens has created and the dynamics of the Fam Pets
to their owners. I look forward to learning more about this
world in her next book Heart Duel.
Reviewed by Mindy Lobaugh
Posted January 18, 2004
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