Heart Thief (Celta's HeartMates, Book 2) (Mass Market Paperback)

~ (Author) "Ruis Elder stared out windows that faced the street, checking as he did several times a day that no strangers loitered nearby..." (more)
Key Phrases: loyalty ceremony, loyalty ritual, holo screen, Ruis Elder, Nuada's Sword, Heart Thief (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

On the planet Celta, founded by adherents of a Wiccan-like religion whose followers have psionic, or psychic, talents, Ruis Elder is an outcast on trial for his life. Not only doesn't he possess psionic talent but his mere presence nullifies the powers of others. Ailim Silver Fir, a judge and a strong empath, finds peace for the first time in her life when Ruis' null field gives her respite from the chaos of all the feelings that incessantly swirl around her. Sentenced to exile, Ruis sneaks back into Druida to hide in the spaceship that first brought humans to the planet, and he endears himself to the ship's artificial intelligence. As Ailim and Ruis fall more in love, they uncover the dirty deeds that stripped him of his inheritance and rightful place. Owens has crafted a fine romance that is also a successful science fantasy yarn with terrific world building. The second in a series, following Heart Mate (2001), Owens' latest stands on its own. Diana Tixier Herald
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Description

The story of Ruis Elder -- a man without psi powers on a world where they are prized. An outcast, Ruis must overcome all society to survive, pursue his passion for restoring ancient Earth technology, and win his love -- Judge Ailim D'SilverFir.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Berkley (June 3, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425190722
• ISBN-13: 978-0425190722
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #94,677 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This is item 2 in The Celta's HeartMates Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A definite keeper, September 6, 2003

By	Cynthia Woolf (ARVADA, CO United States) - See all my reviews

I just finished HEART THIEF. What a great read. I loved the first book, HEART MATE, and it is still my favorite, but this one is oh so delicious. Ruis is a wonderful, wounded hero. He has so much anger and pain to over come and with Ailim's love and help he does but that is not the whole story. The story is of two people, outcasts in their society, one because of her great psi powers and one because of his lack of them, who come together and find joy, love and peace within themselves and each other.

Samba, Ruis FAMcat, is a treat. She is just what you would think of if all cats could talk. She is prissy, has a superior attitude and yet is loving. When it suits her!

We get to see many of the characters from HEART MATE and relive that book as well while enjoying the new ones we meet. There is great evil, adventure, passion, a Ship that is sentient and a great cast of good, bad and simply human characters.

You won't be disappointed but simply delighted. Bravo Robin!! I can't wait for HEART DUEL, the next book about Celta, due out in May 2004. Robin even gives us a little taste of HEART DUEL by giving us the first chapter at the end of HEART THIEF.

Did I love HEART THIEF? YES!!!! It's a definite keeper!

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent!, December 3, 2003

By	WYM19 "wm19" (Canada) - See all my reviews

I liked this book far better than the first one. While the characters in the first book seemed a bit awkward, the characters in this second book really worked for me. The hero was strong, tormented, alone, but kept his dignity. The heroine is of high rank, but not b/c she was born with a silver spoon, but because of her own merit (she's the Supreme Judge in their city), and she's also gracious and strong. Unlike the other review, I really liked the conversations with the Fams (telepathic pets) b/c it showed how the Hero had someone to care for him when he was exiled and condemned. Both main characters were admirable people and they acted like adults (no shallow, selfish stupidity or annoying misunderstandings with this author). Considering the story is set in an imaginary world where almost everyone has a mental/paranormal power, their story was well-fleshed out and believable. Their powers, while seemingly irreconcilable, meshed perfectly. This was an excellent book. I'm supposed to be studying for my law exams, but I stayed up until 4 am to finish this book.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sensual, Magical, Wonderful!! I love this book., July 26, 2003

By A Customer

This is a keeper (one of those rare books that I keep forever instead of give away when I'm done). I don't have much space, so a book really has to be special to keep. This is a sequel to Heart Mate released last year. Ruis and Ailim live in a fictional world where almost every one has magical powers. They've lost the art of science (which is Ruis's specialty since he is one of those very rare people who has no powers. In fact, he is a Null meaning other magic can not work in his presence). Ailim can read emotions and gets great relief in Ruis's presence. I can't begin to describe all of the ways I love this book, but I especially enjoy the science fiction and magical aspect in the amazing world Robin creates.

It was enjoyable to see again the characters from Heart Mate and see how they were doing as they blended into this story. Keep writing, Robin! You are one of the best and deserve the awards you've won.