Friday, June 28, 2019

Darkest Highlander by Donna Grant ~ Review



In the acclaimed Dark Sword series, the darkest, fiercest warriors of Scottish legend finally meet their match—in the brave, fiery hearts of the women they cherish…

For years, Broc has watched over her, protected her—and hidden his love for her. But when his beautiful Sonya, finds herself in a hopeless situation, the Highlander flies to her side to save her. Unfortunately, before the Druidess can thank him, Broc is captured by his enemy and destined for eternal pain…

Sonya vows to help her noble warrior, though he is imprisoned in a mountain of pure evil—bound in chains of the darkest magic. With Sonya’s own magic fading, she must summon the greatest power of all to save the man she loves. But even if these two hearts are united, will they be strong enough to defeat the heart of darkness? Or will their undying love doom them for all eternity…?



The last book in the historical series Dark Sword, I was thinking this book would wrap up the series plot a lot.  I knew there was a spin off series that jumps to modern times.  Frankly, I wanted the evil Deirdre to meet her end in this book.  Alas, such was not the case.  And I really didn't expect for the series to move to modern times in quite the way that it did.  Very interesting.

This book is Broc's story.  Broc is such an fascinating character.  As a warrior, he is powerful.  He can fly and he can find anyone at any time.  Deirdre captured him and released his God many years ago with others.  He agreed to stay and spy.  I first met him in Deirdre's service.  I admit to being unsure if he was good or evil.  Even when he does some things that help those warriors fighting Deirdre, I wasn't sure.  And I admit to still not trusting him but after I got to know him better in this book, I found I loved him.  What an interesting warrior Broc turns out to be.

Sonya has always been around.  Her healing magic has helped from the beginning.  But she defines herself based on that healing magic.  As she loses that power, she has to decide who she actually is and what's important to her.  She doesn't think she has value to those in the castle without that magic.  So she leaves.

A great part of this story takes place away from the castle.  Both characters have a lot of growth as they figure things out between themselves.  As a result, this book feels more like a stand alone then the others have.  It still hangs on the series plot and has the same great characters but it has a different feel.  That may partly be the fact that it ends the historical part of this series.

Broc's curse and Sonya's lack of faith in herself drive this story.  I enjoyed how they both came to terms with that.   I enjoyed how it plays out both away from the castle and with old friends.  I enjoyed the world where these warriors defend the droids and fight the evil.

It wasn't really a series ending book though.  It was just a bridge between the historical series and the modern day one.  The series plot isn't resolved and all the characters are still in play.  It's a unique way of doing things.  I wonder why the author decided to move things 400 years into the future?  I'm happy to read on in this modern version of a world I very much enjoy.

This world continues to intrigue me and make me happy to keep turning the pages.




                                 

No comments:

Post a Comment