I liked this novel a bit more than the first book, Mystic and Rider, which struck me as too generic fantasy. Although don't get me wrong--even in that first book, I found an enjoyable read. Shinn has a gift for writing characters you care about and weaving fantasy and romance without stinting on either. The first book was centered on Senneth. This book is the story Kirra, a shapeshifter and potential heir to a major fiefdom in a land that distrusts magic users like her.
Her romance involved adultery. I know that's a deal breaker for some. In this case I thought it a heart-breaker--in good ways. And this was the book where Shinn's world began to intrigue me and not feel too much like dozens of others, as she develops the politics and intrigue among the Houses of Gillengaria and the monarchy. And the characters from the first book you might have grown fond of are here too--it's just the focus and emphasis changes. I feel a bit mixed about the ending. I'm with another reviewer that pointed out it falls into a particular trope I hate. But it left me feeling for Kirra, so Shinn definitely did her job in that--and I'm glad she didn't take an easier way out.
