LORD OF SHADOWS

Author: Mary Lennox ISBN: 1594146977 8/2008 HISTORICAL Publisher: FIVE STAR PUBLISHING
Time Period: 1843

Exotic Lord Devlin Charmichael is the son of two worlds, belonging in neither. This gilttering heir of a duke and a princess of Zaranbad inspires the ton's gushing admiration. But Devlin lives half his life chasing traitors through a shadow world. Guilt leads Devlin to resurrect a gentle lady's reputation in a fake courtship that will dazzle the ton. Little does he know that he's found a woman as strong and determined as he is. Lady Caroline Berring lives on Society's fringes. When the magnificent Lord Devlin courts her, Caroline is whirled into a world of excitement, passion—and terror. As a British spy, Delin must save his half-brother, the king of Zaranbad, from terorists out to destroy him. The rapacious leader of the terrorist band must be unveiled and brought to justice. But the past haunts Devlin. Can he carry out the mission without losing his brother? Dare he reach for love when the whole world hangs in the balance? Can he protect Caroline from the danger surrounding him? How could he live if he lost her, too? And how can Caroline, longing for a true union of souls, trust the elusive and mysterious Shadow Lord, whose deepest emotions remain hidden from her?

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

What a wonderful adventurous, romantic tale LORD OF SHADOWS is! Mary Lennox is a skilled storyteller. LORD OF SHADOWS swept me in on the opening page and held me spellbound till the last. I loved it, and I believe any fan of suspenseful romance will, too.

This story begins with murder, deception and secrets. There is an undercurrent that runs through it, one that kept me on the edge of my seat. I watched one brother bring a man to murder his brother, watched as he changed the course of things and held my breath, wondering if the dying man would save himself or not. What a way to begin a book! Then, feelings of unease are stirred almost instantly by the brother's reaction to being saved from death. The thread of family runs through this story and how families treat each other is shown in both the best and worst situations. 

Then, a lady in distress. Or, at least, discomfort. Lady Caroline is tired of the way she's been treated by Society and is anxious to leave for anywhere. Of course, she's rescued by a handsome, dashing man and together they begin what will prove to be a fabulous love story.

Lord Devlin (the rescuing brother) and Lady Caroline both have less-than-acceptable beginnings to overcome (at least as far as polite Society is concerned), so when they begin exchanging interested glances it comes as no surprise. They seem to belong together but there are more secrets...some that may pull them apart. 

One of the really wonderful things about this story is that the descriptions are so vivid, the details brought fully to life, that everything and everyone is seen clearly in the reader's mind. I saw Ayres House, with its tall wrought-iron fence. I felt Caroline's aversion. As well, every emotion these characters feel and each precarious position they find themselves in translates clearly. I laughed. I cried. I held my breath in anticipation. And through it all, I greatly enjoyed every moment spent reading this book.

There are secondary characters who add so much to this book that I sincerely hope Ms. Lennox considers giving them their own stories. One blind lady in particular comes to mind. I loved her and would love nothing more than to see her in a tale all her own.

LORD OF SHADOWS by Mary Lennox is captivating!

Kay James