Wednesday, December 9, 2020

review of The Lost Shrines 4: By Love Reclaimed by Amberlyn Holland

 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40777267-by-love-reclaimed

 

 

This book continues a series set in a well-realized fantasy universe that is reminiscent of ancient Eire. Each storyline follows a 'power couple' brought together by the Goddess to counter forces of evil let loose by blood magick. Holland has imbued each meeting tale with gripping adventure and relatable personalities who have successfully blended their special abilities with a matrix of loving humanity and greater service to their world.

Those who prefer a veil of sacred euphemism to remain between them and the physical aspects of romance will be pleased by this series, which makes it safe for young adults. Descriptions never stray beyond kissing and cuddling in this installment.
This book stands alone quite well, but you will be craving happy endings for all the heroes.


The three shape-shifting Hound brothers have divided the hunt for dark sorcery between them, and Ranulf surprised them by opting to return to the Milesan Isle of Tirnan, where once his heart was broken. Somewhere is a rumored goddess cave, fully separated from the renowned sacred Sword shrine, and dark forces could infiltrate there and put all their lands at risk. Tara's father scorned Ranulf as an adopted and inferior Milesan then; this legacy persists due to the family secrets Tara and her brother and sister still conceal.

Tara, a Defender of Hearth and Home, is struggling to keep their isle whole despite the worsening onslaughts of darkness that plague her and her sister of Harvest and brother of Storm. How can a Harbinger of Death like Ran possibly aid full Milesan Powers like them? Why was their love judged so wrong when it felt so right in their youth? It will take the truth, and the powers of both their feuding lineages, to defeat the insidious plots the blood sorcerer laid in the course of generations.

Only then will Ran and Tara allow themselves to love again. If it succeeds, and they are not separated by the Death he senses around her.

Though this is the purported end of the series I sense that there are other pairings possible and not yet explored by Amberlyn. 
 
 

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