"superb romantic fantasy"
One of the fifty elite King's Rider, Justin heads to the
remote town of Neft because some recent activity against
King Baryn of Gillengaria seems to have initiated at the
Daughters of the Pale Mother religious sect led by
Coralinda Gisseltess located there. This Moon Goddess
worship faction insists that other forms of mysticism are
abominations and needs to be dealt with by death to the
heretic. Thus the two travelers are to infiltrate this
fanatic's House to determine whether Coralinda fosters
anti- monarchy fervor. Justin goes undercover obtaining work at the stable where
he soon meets novice Ellynor, a healer with stealth skills
that she hides for fear her superiors will sacrifice her
as a heretical mystic. He uncovers her magicals secrets
even as they fall in love with one another. Her fears
prove true when she is condemned to die at a fiery stake
for being an unholy magical practitioner. Only Justin can
save her, but by doing so he would reveal his identity as
an undercover King's Rider and ergo jeopardizing the
mission. The third Twelve House saga (see THE THIRTEENTH HOUSE and
MYSTIC AND RIDER) is a superb romantic fantasy starring a
dedicated hero struggling with saving the woman he loves
that would most likely devastate his mission. The action-
packed story line is driven by the relationship between
Justin and Ellynor; ironically if he saves her, his family
and his peers still will not accept her as his spouse
because she is a Lirren. Fans of terrific character driven
tales will fully appreciate the wonderful DARK MOON
DEFENDER that deftly blends deep characterizations inside
a strong saga. Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted September 26, 2006
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted January 14, 2007
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