"A unique and intriguing look at the brilliant world created by Ms. Asaro"
Charm Headwind is a young country girl who has never
desired anything but to work her family's apple orchards.
Unfortunately for her, she was born with impressive mage
talents that she needs to keep hidden. If anyone knew just
how strong her abilities were she'd have to leave her home
and move to the royal palace to be trained. However power
like hers can only be hidden for so long and the day comes
that Della No-Cozen, Mage to the Royal family, finds Charm
and takes her away to learn the ways of the Shape Mages and
possibly wed the heir to the throne. In a matter of months Charm's life is turned upside down.
Just as she is starting to settle in to her new role, when
she is finally beginning to feel like she fits in, another
powerful mage, Iris, is found who holds abilities unlike
anyone has ever seen. At the same time, Muller, Charm's
betrothed and the former heir, is released from his future
position. In the middle of all these changes, a neighboring
land's ruler decides time is ripe to overthrow Aronsdale.
Now Muller and Charm must use their love and their
abilities to help the new king, Muller's cousin, and his
young wife Iris to conquer the evil pervading their
homeland. This is a unique and intriguing look at the brilliant world
created by Ms. Asaro. The land where power is held by those
strongest in the magic of colors and shapes will capture
the imaginations of many readers, be they fans of romance
or fantasy, or both. The imagery is vivid and readers will
be enveloped in the lives and world of the characters. The
rules of society are well defined, giving this fantasy the
feeling that there could be such a world out there
somewhere. Though some aspects of the magic and life found
there get confusing at times, by the end of the book, one
will understand how things work in Aronsdale. The players in this saga are brilliantly rendered. Muller
feels like he can never measure up and that he is twisted
inside, never to be free of the cursed abilities. Charm
feels like she will never quite fit in to the elegant life
of royalty, being more comfortable climbing trees than
learning magic and propriety. These two are set adrift when
their world changes. If not for the love they found in each
other, they'd be lost. Jarid, the new king, is a tortured
man; eaten up with guilt over something he did as a young
boy that he could not control. Iris is a simple mountain
girl who comes in to her own when she is taken under the
wing of Della and the royal advisors. If readers are looking for a well-told fantasy tale that
takes place in a brilliant world of magic, then The Charmed
Sphere is for them. The sequel to this book, The Misted
Cliffs looks to be a winner as well. So why not run out and
purchase both books today? © Kelley A. Hartsell, July 2005. All rights reserved.
Courtesy Love Romances
Posted October 10, 2005
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted November 20, 2006
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What was the use of being a powerful mage if you couldn’t learn the spells? Once Chime had been the most promising mage in the land, feted and celebrated for her potential and future role in the kingdom. Then Iris, her young competitor, made a stunning leap in skill and turned Chime’s world upside down. Now no longer the most powerful, no longer promised to a prince - and still unable to harness her magic properly - Chime was set adrift. As was the new king’s cousin - and former heir - Lord Muller. Yet when the neighboring kingdom threatened war, Muller and Chime were tasked with uncovering the plot. Both were flawed, yet unwilling to accept a lesser destiny than they had once known. Could this quest be the opportunity for redemption - or would it lead them to their deaths?
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