Damn you, Ian, and I was this close to letting this series go unfinished. But now you've put me in a position where I want to see how it ends!

Iason Olympus, Ian for his friends, is one of the two candidates to replace the current Oracle of Aelynn. Gifted with the ability to read stars and the will of the gods, as well as the minds of those not of his race, he sets out on a journey in our world, to find the Chalice of Plenty. His timing could be bad enough since the French Revolution is about to break out - but not all is lost, since not only does he find where the Chalice is, he also meets his amacara, the one fated to be his soulmate, as chosen by the gods. Problem is, Chantal Deveau is more than just a Crossbreed with the ability to use music to her advantage - she could also be bearing the symbol of chaos on her body, and this is the last thing Ian needs when he's trying to secure his place as leader of his people.

I always find the one I like the most from the male leads in a series. Something in me just needs it, I don't know. So Ian was the one guy who clicked. Scholar-like types are a weakness of mine. And Ian was adorable in his attitude, an arrogant know-it-all one moment, and a curious child the next. He was delightfully lovestruck when it came to Chantal, and yet kept his manly charms if the need arose to seduce her. And unlike a certain sailor brute *glares at Trystan* Ian made as much effort as he could to respect his amacara, not force or manipulate her (OK, he failed there, but he takes A for the effort!), and to try to learn her rather than just order her around. A man with brains, brawn, and charm, seriously, Ian, where have you been all my life? And did I mention he also had enough sense to understand what his people needed despite two very irritating and powerful women yapping his ears off?

Chantal was at times a bit annoying. The only thing that excused her was the fear of the times she lived in - up until she acted ignorant, really lady, the ostrich act is outdated, grow up! But when she embraced Ian and all that he was - although the poor guy had to nearly die for her to finally get it - her feisty nature became a pro against all cons. I think what kept her behind from understanding sooner was her father - sorry, dear old man, but your own prejudice was insufferable, despite you talking a good game of fair justice....

With new light being shed on Murdoch and his reason behind most of his actions, I have to admit I really want to see where this is all going. I know, I know, it's that bitch Lissandra as the female lead in the next book, but what the hell, I'm curious now and I need to know!!!! DETAILS, WOMAN, I NEED MORE DETAILS!!! AND ANSWERS!!!!

***I was given a review copy from a LibraryThing Giveaway in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.*** ( )

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

This book is a fantastical journey into adventure & romance. Patricia Rice pays infinite attention to the development of her characters while painting a vivid picture of their surrounding. I visualize as I read and it was not difficult for me to conjure images of a revolutionary France or a breathtaking Aelynn. Now if i could only get my hands on Mystic Guardian, Mystic Warrior and the novella Mystic Isle, my mental movie would be complete, sequels and all. Thank you for a thrilling slice of literary entertainment. ( )

Chantal, in revolutionary France, has the magical talent of her music and voice affecting people's emotions, as well as being able to read people's intentions through their voices. When Ian, a leader of his people's magical hidden Island of Aelynn, arrives looking for a sacred chalice, he instantly knows she is his intended mate. There follows a rather interesting, if convoluted, plot of trying to help Chantal's family escape, rescue certain family members, chase the chalice, and avoid Murdoch, who was exiled from Aelynn and is gaining power. There are hints that Murdoch was not treated justly, but now he is bitter. Chantal accompanies Ian back to Aelynn while he sends Murdoch to find the chalice, against his better judgment. They discover that her father had been exiled by Ian's mother, but the Council finally accepts her, a Crossbreed, as a mate for their leader.
An interesting twist combining fantasy and a historical time. The fantasy is just a bit too inexplicable with weird pagan-union sex (as well as plenty of normal, but overly descriptive) sex for me to give it more than 3 stars. I would probably read the rest of the series if I come across it for free, because I am starting to get interested in the characters.

I received a free e-copy of this book in return for an honest review. ( )

Ok, detta är en direkt uppföljare till Mystic Guardian även om huvudpersonerna är annorlunda. Samma intrigknep med själsfränder som i första boken används men här känns det ännu mer påklistrat. Boken utspelar sig lite senare och händelserna är mitt under franska revolutionen så det är mer av en historisk roman än föregångaren. Från en svensk synvinkel är det lite roligt att Axel von Fersen dyker upp som en bifigur.
Som i den förra romanen är det en hel del kärlek (och mycket nedanför midjan) och en del fantasy. Jämfört med den förra så är det med av båda delarna plus mer historiska händelser. På så sätt är den bättre men det blir ändå inte mer än en tvåa i betyg. ( )

I won a review copy. This was the next book after the previous one i read. Overall both were good reads but it could use to be less drawn out ( )