https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40776828-by-vengeance-guided
This book begins 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, even in
this first installment, where a fertility rite is crucial to the plot.
Caerwyn
of the Isles is of the Milesan race, who are each born to embody a
godlike power of their universe, which overshadows their human
personality when invoked properly. His is the spirit of Vengance, and
has kept him roaming the lands of this world to redress the killing of
his parents in defense of an ancestral Cauldron of power. He is aided in
this by his foster brothers the Hounds, with shape-shifting abilities
of the Thousand Tribes race but also Milesan ones, granted by the
healing Cauldron. They have been summoned by Daen, prince of Galwei,
because he suspects he has been bewitched. The culprit? His betrothed,
Lady Liadan of Hara Dale.
Liadan herself knows that this
betrothal is all sorts of wrong. The match would badly upset the balance
between her tiny principality and its neighbors; besides, she was not
supposed to be the true heir, but rather her sister, and eventually, her
three year old niece. Now Gui, her sister's husband, is attempting to
manipulate her the way her sister once allowed herself to be used.
Ancestral secrets of the land are in grave danger. What does the
stranger who calls himself 'Wyn' have against her family? Is he friend
or foe?
What he and the Hounds uncover will not only seal the fate of Hara Dale but all of the human kingdoms.
This book stands alone quite well, but you will be wanting more happy endings for our other heroes.
