From Library Journal
To escape a bargain made by his father with an evil god, Lord Varian promises to sacrifice his future wife in return for his freedom. When he falls in love with a red-haired beauty named Cathlin, however, he searches desperately for a way to break his dark pact. Morland's first novel, despite a predictable ending, combines elements of Gothic romance with high fantasy. Large libraries may want to add this title to their fantasy collections.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Review
This story is Beauty and the Beast with a twist. Morland is an author to watch, as this premier novel shows she has the potential to be one of the better fantasy writers. Her characters are more than cardboard cut-outs as they struggle with difficult moral choices; she humanizes them with believable problems that lead to plausible solutions. There are no "surprises" pulled out of the hat at the last moment to save the characters, but rather a logical progression throughout the story. A good buy for any fantasy collection. VOYA Codes: 4Q 4P S A/YA (Better than most, marred only by occasional lapses; Broad general YA appeal; Senior High, defined as grades 10 to 12; Adult and Young Adult). -- Vicky Burkholder - VOYA
[R]elatively lightweight, but often touching. A promising first novel -- Carolyn Cushman, Locus. April 1999
[R]elatively lightweight, but often touching. A promising first novel -- Carolyn Cushman, Locus. April 1999
