Customer Reviews

Breath of Magic: A Novel

5 star:		(40)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This is my first Madeiros book and I am pleased at the talent I discovered. She writes a story, that at first is modern, then twists into a time travel novel and fairytale, then swirls into science fiction.

We have an unlikely hero, Tristan Lennox: a cold-hearted tycoon who has built his own technology empire (a little vagueness on exactly what his cooperation DOES). Then we have our heroine, Arian Whitewood (good witch name): a seventeenth century girl accused of witchcraft. Arian's not exactly the perfect Puritan, though. She was brought up in France by her free willed mother and brought to live with a good Puritan stepfather.

She is not exactly the perfect witch either; it seems the key to her magic lies in an amulet her mother gave her. Unwittingly, Arian uses the amulet to escape persecution and travels by broomstick to the twentieth century. She lands in on a magic contest given by Lennox.

Lennox, needing answers, drags her to his penthouse (ingenious) in Lennox Tower to escape the media. She soon learns she's three centuries away from everything she knows and that she may be the winner of a magic contest that could give her freedom.

For Lennox, the contest wasn't just about fairytales and nonsense. He hoped to draw someone out and if she was that someone, then the woman he dearly wanted to trust would be the one to shatter his will forever.

Teresa's characters did give off that lonely and alienated feeling that makes me love them, even dumb Sven. I also laughed throughout her book. Very few writers can give readers true humor in such poignant situations. Brightly woven, thank you Teresa!

It is so hard to find a novel that includes so many different facets. I am so pleased that I finally found one. Breath of Magic is a wonderful tale filled with romance, intrigue, humor and of course...magic. Every chapter is a delight and you will fall in love with all the characters. This is a keeper

I read the series backwards; first I read "Touch of Enchantment" and then "Breath of Magic," but it didn't really matter in what order they were read. At first I was a little wary about picking this book up because of the not so positive reviews I had seen. However, I disagree, this is a wonderfully imaginative and captivating novel. Furthermore this novel can be viewed in a much broader context than cheesy romance. I've just finished reading "A Room With a View" and "Satanic Verses" and am feeling philisophical and completely inspired by everything I read. This novel has the common theme of good versus evil with Tristan Lennox and Arthur Finch, also known as Reverend Linnet. Tristan reminds me of Neo from "the Matrix" as the "christ" that liberates mankind; "free your mind!" Actually I think I'm getting a little carried away; the other major theme is that Arian Whitewood makes the transition from holier than thou "Puritan" to a free-love girl. Just like "Touch of Enchantment," there were parts in this novel that made me crack up. Hmmm...I was reading it in the bookstore and I'm sure that some people wondered what I was reading? Just a piece of advice for those who read romance; this is purely fiction and a lot of impossible things can happen because of the genre, so when I read romance I try to concentrate on the emotions that develope, not the storyline:)...because we all know that witches don't exist?

This is my favorite Medeiros romance. It really spoke to me. How many people feel alone can see Arian and Tristan as metaphors for their own isolation and lonliness, even if they are not a witch or a billionaire. Money certainly doesn't buy happiness. Tristan who has everything except someone to make him laugh, someone to come home to, is like a child in so many ways, and not all of them good. Still he is very likable. I know that there will be women reading this book who believe that they have the power to make a man so very happy if only given the chance. We could heal the walking wounded like Tristan if he would only let us into his life. There was a lot of humor like the scene in Harlem, the totally non PC of it all as Arian tumbles through the 20th century. But I certainly can't give away all the great scenes. I think Tristan is a fully fleshed out hero. His hurts, real and imaginary, are completely understandable. Love really does conquer all. I remember a quote from Princess Diana about the lack love being the thing that is the most damaging problem in the world. This novel really shows that love is healing and allows people to deal with their pain and move forward. The love scenes are wonderful and so is the unfolding of the story overall. Okay, what are you waiting for? Order this book!

I never thought I'd read about a guy "Ice Queen." In BREATH OF MAGIC, the hero is Tristan, a genius (and gorgeous) boy millionaire living the life in Manhattan. So what if he's something of a recluse? So what if he is obsessed with magic - to the point of risking his personal and professional reputation? So what if his heart is as cold as his icy eyes? Tristan is determined never to be hurt by anyone, even though he is the loneliest of souls.

Enter Arian, a 17th century Puritan witch (white witch, of course). Escaping an angry mob determined to drown her, Arian literally flies in on a broomstick and crash lands on Tristan's doorstep in the 1990s - in the middle of a press conference! What is it about this wacky, lovely witch that finally melts Tristan's heart?

I enjoyed this book. For a time-travel romance, it is pretty refreshing to have the guy be the modern-day hero and the girl be the fantasy lover from a different time and place. Also, Arian's curiosity with the modern world is fun. I loved how she practically flooded the building with her fascination over the "chamber pot."

I also thought it was refreshing to see a romance novel heroine insisting on being married before "fornicating." I have to say, having a Puritan heroine was an unusual treat. You never knew what she was going to say or do (or dress).

Finally, BREATH OF MAGIC comes with an enjoyable cast of characters. Tristan is an ice prince, but he tugs at your heart. Arian is a delight, and characters like the Indian Copperfield and Norwegian bodyguard Sven are a hoot. Even the cat familiar is cute.

I say, definitely read this book. It is the second TM book I've read (I also enjoyed CHARMING THE PRINCE), and I've found I like her style. She has a different take on fairytale stories and her writing is sweet and witty. I understand that BREATH OF MAGIC also has a sequel called TOUCH OF ENCHANTMENT, which I've already ordered and am looking forward to reading.

Well this is the first book of a two part series. the second book in this series is called "Touch of Enchantment" I read that book first and had go back and read this one. I'm so glad I did because it does clear up some stuff that was mentioned in the second book.

This is the story of Arian Whitewood. A fumbling witch who suddenly finds herself flung 300 years in the future to modern New York City and into the arms of billionaire Tristan Lennox.
Arian was fleeing for her life and some how cast a spell which sent her time traveling. She shows up flying on a broom being chased by what she thinks is a dragon, its actually a helicopter, right in the middle of a contest that Tristan has set up to give away one million dollars to anyone who can prove to him that magic is real. Well she wins hands down. He still is skeptal though and puts her through a lot before he realizes that she really is magical. She falls for him hard and even though he puts her through hell she stays strong in her love. When he finally realizes that he does love her he must fight and use a bit of magic himself to get her back.

This story has wonderful secondary characters in it. I would have liked to have read stories about Copperfield, Tristan's best friend and the body guard Sven. the villians in this story make it exciting and give the plot a kick.

I really enjoyed reading this book because it was funny, tender, exciting, and loving. I will definately read more from this author.

An interesting, unique story; well above average writing; and likeable, memorable characters make this an above average book. Look for the sequel, as well as Shadows and Lace, three of my favorite books.

Well, where does one start? Oh, god ... I am still in pain....<...ouch! ...my ribs have greenstick fractures in fifteen fragile places ...> Take a steaming cauldron ... and add a dollop of Pretty Woman; a sprinkle of Indecent Proposal, a pinch of Bell, Book and Candle, a spice of Ghost, a dash of Fanciful Things, a broomstick, a black cat, a beguiling witch from a puritan colony in Gloucester, Massachusetts - circa 1689 - who wears an 'enchanted' emerald amulet, a skeptical, sexy, lonely, orphaned billionaire tycoon - circa 1996 - then swirl in concentrated essence of Medeiros in lusty and liberal glugs and you have: A BREATH OF MAGIC! This is not a funny story ... It is a dangerous story - that causes your husband to crawl under the bedcovers with his hands plastered to his eardrums in self-protection; it is a story that has him cringing on 'his' side of the bed at 1.00 am with a pained twist to his shoulder blades that indicates he is desperately hoping that the sounds roiling and rollicking across him - wafting out into the night - do NOT reach the furtherest limits of the city... In embarrassed despair because he know this has gone beyond the bounds of such propriety - it is a story that when he asks 'What's funny?' you try to tell him - and because you are too incoherent to do so, he starts to laugh, then you're both choking in pain and dabbing with the bedcovers at the waves - not trickles - but waves of oozing tears that are streaming from both sets of eyes. It is a story that seeps champagne bubbles of laughter from you during your sleep and catches you walking down staid professional corridors at work burping back hysteria ... It is a story that cries out to be made into a movie...It is a story that EVERYONE should read. Bernadette

This was the first book I read by Mrs. Medeiros, I was unable to put it down, I read it in two days and have read every book since. She makes her heriones strong and spunky you'll find yourself laughing out loud. The story lines are amazing. And the love scenes are steamy and intense. I highly recommend all of her books, you won't be disappointed.

This book was the best! I have never laughed so hard in my life. Tristian's cynical personality and Arian's innocence was a really good mix. I really liked how the author combined the scientificc with the supernatural.This most definitely is one of my most favorite and specical books.