A Kiss of Fate
Ballantine, June, 2004.
Hardcover, 340 pages.
ISBN: 0345449169
Subgenre: Historical
In the mid-eighteenth century Gwynne Owens has always
been surrounded by magic, although she doesn't have
any powers herself. She is the daughter of the librarian for
the wealthy and powerful Guardians, mages who
wield their gifts secretly in order to preserve England and
Scotland. When Gwynne is told by the Council of the Guardians
that they would like her to marry Duncan Macrae, the Scottish
Guardian, Storm Lord and mage, she resists at first but finally agrees.
After her marriage, Gwynne finds out that she actually has incredible
powers herself. She adjusts to being the mistress of a Scottish castle,
but when Bonnie Prince Charlie arrives to raise an army to
rebel against the English occupation, Gwynne knows that
she has a decision to make. As a Guardian, Duncan is sworn
to uphold the English king to avoid the greater harm to the country,
but as a Scotsman, he longs to use his power to help the Jacobite
rebellion. Now Gwynne must make a terrible choice between the
man she has come to love and her sworn duty as a Guardian.
Mary Jo Putney has an amazing gift for making the past accessible. In this first book of a projected new series, magic is interwoven with real historical events with fascinating results. The Guardians are in society, and yet outside of it at the same time. The female Guardians are much bolder and have much more freedom than other women of their time. Ms. Putney weaves a wonderful and passionate love story between Duncan and Gwynne, with vivid supporting characters and a breathless pace. This is an outstanding beginning in what is sure to be a fantastic new series.
A Kiss of Fate is available for purchase on Amazon.com
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This review was published in the July-August, 2004 of The Internet Writing Journal.
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