THE DEVIL'S POSSESSION

Author: Heather Waters ISBN: 0425216640 8/2007 HISTORICAL/PARANORMAL Publisher: BERKLEY
Time Period: Medieval

She was a woman called to lead Ordinarily, women do not become Highland chieftains. But Faith Maitland is no ordinary woman-until a violent encounter in the forest crushes her courage and leaves her pregnant. And now, because no clan will accept a sullied woman, she must find a sire for her bastard... He was a man they called a witch When Faith names Draven the Devil as the father of her child, she thinks she is blaming a dead man. Instead, her accusation halts his execution for witchery. When he is released from the stake to the Maitlands' custody, Faith realizes that she has betrothed herself to a silent man with frightening powers... Theirs was a devil's bargain Draven has no reason to relish his escape, having long since wearied of the fear and hate that has been his lot. Yet he finds himself unable to renounce Faith and expose her to the same shame. Fascinated by her beauty and strength, Draven is drawn to Faith even as she is warmed by his tenderness. But their growing trust will be tested by the threat of true evil...

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Heather Water's debut novel, THE DEVIL'S POSSESSION, is a spellbinding and powerfully stirring story, set in a vibrant and magical medieval setting. The two wonderfully compelling characters need someone to care for them, and see beyond their reputations.

Faith Maitland is a woman like few others. Chosen to one day take over the role of clan chieftain, she has always put the needs of others before herself. That is, until one day after a violent encounter, she is left pregnant and unmarried. To save her reputation, she thinks she is speaking the name of a dead man, when she reveals that Draven is the father of her child. Draven, known as Draven the Devil, is feared for having mysterious powers. Faith soon discovers that Draven is still alive. Her accusation saves him from being burned at the stake for witchcraft, as he is to become her betrothed. She also discovers that Draven is mute and that he does possess amazing and frightening powers.

Faith finds herself in a difficult situation. It is desperation that has her naming Draven as the father of her child. She is known as a strong and caring woman, but after she is attacked, she is withdrawn and untouchable. She feels she cannot tell others what has happened. That forces her to deal with her emotions and shame alone. The emotions are strong and difficult at times, especially as others, not knowing what has happened, begin to doubt Faith's abilities.

Draven is angry and he wants to die. But when he meets Faith, he cannot allow her to face the shame of being pregnant and unmarried. He knows what it means to be shunned by others and does not want Faith to have that type of life. He agrees to the marriage, and soon finds himself drawn to her beauty and kindness. Unfortunately, someone possessed of true evil wants Faith for himself and seeks revenge against Draven.

Draven is a man that has lived a life based on lies and abuse. He knows that it is his powers that make others fear him, and they are the reason that they call him evil. His actions, though, are anything but evil. He cares for others and cannot stand to see anyone else suffer. His inability to talk makes him seem vulnerable, and as the reader, I truly felt sorry for him.

Faith and Draven begin their lives together as strangers, but it is as if destiny has brought them together to heal. By focusing on helping Draven, Faith is able to see beyond her own problems, and when she is ready he is there to help her face the past. Draven has never known kindness. Faith shows him that people can care for him and that not everyone believes he is evil. She gives him a real chance at life and something he has been lacking... faith. Their love grows gradually, from unsure strangers to friends, and eventually they begin to see each other as potential lovers. It is at this time that the evil that follows them, threatens to destroy everything they are working for. This leads to some amazing action where Draven is called upon to use his powers.

Strong emotions and exciting actions make this one of the best books I have read this year. The two main characters need someone to care for them and see beyond their reputations. They draw you into their gripping tale, filled with many problems, and fascinate you with their thrilling actions. After reading THE DEVIL'S POSSESSION, I look forward to many more books by this author.

Anita Hartsell