Review: SHADOW MAGIC

Lord Drogan of Wolfglynn is a man plagued by the evil deeds he and his fellow knights committed while in the king's service.  He has seen the darkness overtake his comrades, and Drogan fears it is only a matter of time before it claims his soul as well.  He chooses to live his remaining years alone.  While visiting his friend Gerard, a man who shares the sins of his past, he meets a striking woman.  Serena is a witch, cursed to live a lonely life too.  Serena of Hawthorne has the power to see a person's future, and she has seen the impending deaths of Gerard and his young family at the hands of an evil man from their past.  Serena's ability allows her to foresee a second path, one where Gerard's family is saved, but it will mean certain death for her. 

Determined to save her friends, Serena convinces Lord Drogan to hide them at his home at Wolfglynn.  During their journey across England, Serena and Drogan separate from Gerard in an effort to throw off the killer.  During their time alone, they discover a love and passion between them that cannot be denied.  They find a kindred spirit in each other, someone else cursed by the past and resigned to being alone.  On arrival at Wolfglynn, Drogan is finally able to face the demons of his past for a chance at a future without the darkness, while Serena is willing to sacrifice herself for the man she loves to give him that future.  Will love be enough to break the curse?

Donna Grant has written an enchanting tale of love, sacrifice and redemption.  This story is a captivating blend of historical romance and fantasy filled with compelling characters.  I was drawn in by Serena and her magical ability to see two paths a person's life can take.  Drogan was the perfect tortured (and sexy!) hero in need of the perfect woman to save him.  Their flight from the evil chasing them was nail-biting and we're kept guessing as to his identity until the end.  The story is left open to continue in the next book of the series, Echoes of Magic.  Fans of her new Dark Sword series will enjoy this one as well!