The Chalice and the Blade

Rating:
Summary: Druids, Dragons & a deeply sensual love story.
Review: This was one of the most sensual love stories I've ever had the pleasure of reading. The mysticism involved made it even more so. For the most part, I see the reviews are very positive & I'm glad I listened to those instead of the few negative reviews - this book is fabulous! I really don't know how anyone could find it boring unless they just didn't understand the magic of it - and it is deeply magical.

Rating:
Summary: Druids, Dragons & a deeply sensual love story.
Review: This was one of the most sensual love stories I've ever had the pleasure of reading. The mysticism involved made it even more so. For the most part, I see the reviews are very positive & I'm glad I listened to those instead of the few negative reviews - this book is fabulous! I really don't know how anyone could find it boring unless they just didn't understand the magic of it - and it is deeply magical.

Rating:
Summary: BEAUTIFUL!
Review: Though I am not sure why the comparison to the works of Ms. Gabladon (talented in her own right, but, very different styles) other than for the sake of PR (same publishing house, different divisions), this is a wonderful story. Though unevenly paced at times and a bit choppy in her writing, Ms. McReynolds has brought us a beautiful story of two people who just want to move on with their lives and forget the pains of their prospective pasts. Ceridwen and Dane fit together well and the progression of their meeting and falling in love is handled steadly and realistically. They are part of their environment and have been molded by it. When they both allow themselves to love, Ms. McReynolds does not become sappy or sentimental. She has brought us two people damaged by their past yet who are willing to risk themselves one more time for love. The story of the three men in the Crusades and how it effected each one and how the destruction of Carn Merioneth effected Ceridwen and Mychael is done in a wonderfully subtle way to the main story to show why each character does what he/she does. It adds to the here and now of the story without drowning it. This is not an easy skill and Ms. McReynolds does it beautifully. Full of magic and tricks and dragons, the real message here is that all can be survived, handled, and overcome through the best magic of all - love.