"Catherine Asaro is one of the reigning queens of brilliant romantic fantasy"
Verquelle was the King of Harsdown but when he was defeated
in battle to annex the Kingdom of Aronsdale, the monarch
vanquished him to a place where he has been imprisoned for
eighteen years. King Muller and Queen Chime are the rulers
of Harsdown and the country has flourished under their
reign. The heir is Princess Melody, a bright beautiful and
loving person who is adored by her subjects Verquelle's son Cobalt the Dark rescues his father and
brings him to his home the Castle of the Clouds. Cobalt was
raised by a sadistic grandfather and a distant mother but
his newfound father gives him the approval he needs. Both
his grandfather and his father want to go to war with
Harsdown so Verquelle can reclaim his throne but Cobalt
convinces them that he should marry the heir and their
offspring will sit on the throne. Melody has no choice but
to agree to this arrangement as she doesn't want her
country to go to war but she concludes that Cobalt is not
evil but a person deprived of kindness and affection. He
decides to conquer two countries that border Aronsdale
using his grandfather's troops and his father's knowledge
of war. Melody hopes that her love will temper his dark
side so that he doesn't become a tyrant others fears. Catherine Asaro has written a beautiful and vividly
descriptive tale that is a cross between a romantic fantasy
and a swords and sorcery tale. The heroine is a bright
lodestar that attracts her dark prince who is a tragic
figure in the tradition of Heathcliffe. Hearts will go out
to the beleaguered anti hero who seeks love and acceptance.
Catherine Asaro is one of the reigning queens of brilliant
romantic fantasy. Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted July 10, 2005
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted December 22, 2006
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