Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Top Drawer Read!, June 4, 2005
This review is from: Predestined: Book One in the Fairy (Faith) Series (Mass Market Paperback)
"Predestined" is one of the best paranormal romances that I've read in a very long while. Bryna and Tynan were wonderful characters that truly reached out and pulled the reader into their story. This was a romantic but at the same time sensual read that held my interest until the final page. Without a doubt this is a "top drawer" read.
Bryna was orphaned and left along the shores of an ancient loch but was found by a healer named Derina. Derina never tells Bryna of her true ancestry and Bryna grows up feeling alone and lost. She is the slave of a Roman Centurion and is called "witcheyes." When Derina comes to her and tells her that she must fulfill her destiny and save the prisoner that is kept in the dungeon Bryna does as she says but does not understand how the Dark prisoner has any connection to her, let alone how he could be her destiny.
Tynan is known as the "Dark Chieftain" and he has a prophecy that he must meet. He is chained naked in a dungeon and suffering when a cloaked figure comes and despite the danger helps him to escape. It is not long before Tynan realizes that his rescuer is indeed the mate that he has been looking for. Bryna is Fey and she is the territorial goddess that is meant for him. Problem though is that Bryna has no idea who or what she is. Despite this she trust Tynan and is drawn to his dark beauty and the safety and home that he represents. Separate they are weak, but together they are strong. Will they be able to defeat the evil sorcerer and find peace in which to love? Or will Evil win?
Ms. Gray is an exceptional author and one that paints a vivid picture with her words. The reader won't be able to help but be drawn into her magical world, nor will they be able to help falling a little in love with Tynan themselves. This is a strong debut read and one that I have no trouble recommending. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
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10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
Faery Tale, November 27, 2006
This review is from: Predestined: Book One in the Fairy (Faith) Series (Mass Market Paperback)
I am stunned at the positive reviews for this novel! Fast-paced?! Tynan is a character to "die for"?
I have read a lot of fantasy. This falls more under the "light romance" category, in my opinion.
The main character, Bryna is slow-witted and totally unbelievable as the "faery". Her most common line is "I doona know", which appears to be written such to remind us this is supposed to be Pictish-Irish. She is clumsy, often tripping and falling, and in most of the book, her only talent is to know when people are lying.
I was disappointed that the Roman master had only a couple scenes in this story, with little said about him.
"Tynan", the main male character was either fighting his "geas" of lust or being territorial & possessive of Bryna.
I did not feel the characters were fleshed out. The plot was very predictable. I often found myself rolling my eyes at the ignorance of Bryna.
It was extremely difficult to finish this first novel by Gray, and I will save my money for other authors such as Morgan Llewelyn and Marjorie M. Liu in the future.
Perhaps this would appeal to pre-teens.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
In a land of fantasy and magic, ancient promises must be fulfilled..., April 19, 2006
This review is from: Predestined: Book One in the Fairy (Faith) Series (Mass Market Paperback)
Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques
In a land of fantasy and magic, ancient promises must be fulfilled...
Tynan has been captured by an evil sorcerer in service to the Romans. Prophecy tells of the legendary Dark Chieftain who will claim the territorial goddess as his mate, free the faeries from imprisonment, and return magick and peace to the lands. When Tynan arrives, they suspect he is the one to fulfill the prophecy and desire to stop him at any cost.
Bryna is an orphan, abandoned at birth and slave to the Romans. She has no knowledge of her family and therefore knows nothing of her true identity. All she has learned was at the side of her beloved Druidess teacher. Fate has great plans for Bryna, beginning with the rescue of Tynan.
Now Tynan and Bryna discover a bond between them that was totally unexpected yet unable to be resisted. She does not believe Tynan when he tells her she is his mate for she in convinced her dreams tell her otherwise. They are meant for a destiny greater than she ever expected, but first she must accept her true nature and learn to harness its powers. Can Bryna and Tynan overcome the treachery set on separating them forever? What of her hidden spirit? Can she accept her Predestined fate in time to save Tynan's people?
Predestined by R Garland Gray is a fresh vision of the land of the Fae and its connection to the world of humans. Her concept of forsworn vows passed on through the generations by blood is fascinating to explore along with Tynan and Bryna. Magick plays a key role, as is typical of fantasy romance, but its effects on the land and its people is revealed in a unique way.
The action lulls in some places, and the conflicts can be somewhat anticlimactic, but this story is more character driven, which makes the slower pace work well. There are still enough surprises to the tale which will make readers eager to find out what will happen next.
Ms. Gray paints a vivid picture with her landscape of twilight beauty. Readers can see the stone fortress and brilliant moonlight and will feel the rain and wind in their hair. This world is one of magick and enchantment, which is reflected in the land and trees. One will long to travel along the feypaths and experience the life and festivals of Bryna, Tynan and company. Come along and enjoy their world, it is guaranteed to be a thrilling adventure.
(c) Kelley A. Hartsell, February 2006. All rights reserved.
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