Rating: 
Summary: Draws you into their world
Review: This was the first of Amelia Atwater-Rhodes's books I've read, but I was impressed with it. Targeted towards a young adult audience, the plot revolves around a Avian shapeshifter about to become Queen, Danica Shardae, and the King of the Serpiente, (the enemy) Zane Cobriana. The two clans have long been seperated by war and strife, and both Danica and Zane long for peace. An idea comes into play that if Danica takes Zane as her pair bond, a bridge could be formed and the war ended. This takes the phrase "knowing your enemy" to new heights, but Danica and Zane both know that this may be their only hope for peace.
Remnescent of Romeo and Juliet, it is not so much a romance story as of one telling the tale of the thin line between love and hate. Danica and Zane become a pair bond for peace, not passion. If they had been able to marry for love, both would have picked different people... Neither trust each other, but they have to do the best they can, for if the royal pair cannot trust each other, how can the clans do the same? If Zane killed Danica, he would end her line there and then, in a way, ending the problem. It is hard for Danica to believe that he would not just kill her one day, and it is next to impossible for her to disguise her fear when they are alone together. Nonetheless, she has to pretend to be madly in love with Zane in front of the Serpiente court, for they would not accept the fact that they married for politics, not love. Trust is the one thing Zane asks of Danica, but it may be more than she can give. This is a gripping tale, with science fiction and fantasy elements mixed together, and leaves you wanting more. Thankfully, there is a sequel to this novel, entitled Snakecharm, which comes out Septemeber 28th, 2004.
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