Customer Reviews

The Mist and the Magic (Harper Monogram)

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The Mist and Magic is a very old school, epic type of romance, with much adventure, daring escapades, thrilling battles, strong emotions, and larger than life characters. It's very different in terms of time and setting as well - Ireland during the persecutions of Cromwell. Caitlin MacBride is an Irish chieftain trying to defend her home, Clonmuir, against the English. John Wesley Hawkins, former priest, cavalier, royalist, thief-taker, and now unwilling agent of Cromwell's, is sent to Ireland to take care of some pesky rebels, known as the Fianna, who are resisting Cromwell's rule. To make sure Wesley cooperates, Cromwell has taken Wesley's daughter hostage. His search for the Fianna leader takes Wesley to Clonmuir, where he's immediately captivated by Caitland, who leads her people with rare strength and integrity. His ensuing dilemma - turn in the woman he loves or sacrifice his daughter - propels the rest of the action of the book.

There are things I liked a lot about The Mist and the Magic, and there were things I didn't like so much. The unusual setting is vividly depicted, and I think the author did a great job capturing some of the feel of the country and people of Ireland. It's a nice change from the usual regency England or medieval fare. Caitlin is a strong heroine who convincingly leads her men into battle and capably manages the responsibilities of being the MacBride. Her antagonism towards Wesley is persistent, but she has many reasons, beyond his nationality, not to trust him, particularly after he betrays her a few times. She does some stupid things, but only because Wesley keeps her in the dark most of the time - one of the things I didn't like about the book. He won't tell her why he's acting for Cromwell, when a little communication wouldn't have hurt anybody. Another quibble would be the sometimes over the top, overly flowery language of magic, enchantment, ancient spirits, and Irish fairies. It obscured the human emotions of the characters and distracted from the story. Despite all the assurances that the love of Caitland and Wesley is some primal, beautiful, awesome, magical connection, I wasn't really convinced. For most of the book she hates him, is pining after another man she met once four years ago but is convinced is the love of her life, or doesn't know the reason behind Wesley's actions. The plot also got carried away in the end. I really, really wanted to like The Mist and the Magic because of the original setting, the action and adventure, and Wesley's desperate attempts to win over Caitland, save his daughter, and protect Clonmuir - but in the end, its flaws outweighed these saving graces.