Saturday, September 18, 2010

A Storm Of Pleasure-Terri Brisbin

A Storm Of Pleasure
Terri Brisbin
Kensington Brava, Oct 1 2010, $14.00
ISBN: 9780758235183

In 1098 on Gairsay Island, men loyal to the Earl Magnus demand Sven Rognvaldson and his son Kali come with them to face charges of treason. Sven draws his sword but is stabbed to death while his beloved daughter Katla Svensdottir watches in horror. Sven’s last words to Katla is to take care of Kali. Realizing that the accuser Harold Erlendson wants the son as dead as the father he baited the father, she offers her body to keep her sibling safe. He is arrested and taken for trial to Birsay.

Katla goes to Orkney to obtain help from a Truthsayer. There she meets Gavin the recluse who is losing his mind to the voices rioting inside his head. He is stunned when she seems to soothe the beasts destroying his mind as he cannot hear her inner thoughts. They make a deal in which she stays with him in his cave and he will help her prove her brother’s innocence. Neither expected to fall in love, but both fail to take that first risk of admitting how they feel.

This is a terrific romantic historical fantasy starring two fascinating strong lead protagonists and a powerful support cast. The story line takes sub-genre fans to late eleventh century Orkney Islands off the Scottish coast as readers will believe they are there. With elements of the paranormal, a strong romance and a sense of time and place, readers will also appreciate the machinations of those in power; as Terri Brisbin provides a major light on the so-called dark Ages.

Harriet Klausner

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