WIZARD'S DAUGHTER

Author: Catherine Coulter ISBN: 9780515143942 1/2008 PARANORMAL/HISTORICAL Publisher: JOVE
Time Period: 1835

Dear Reader: When Ryder Sherbrooke finds a child nearly beaten to death in an alley in Eastbourne, he takes her home to Brandon House. She doesn't speak for six months. Her first words, oddly enough, are a haunting song: I dream of beauty and sightless night I dream of strength and fevered might I dream I'm not alone again But I know of his death and her grievous sin. Ah, and just what does this strange song mean that was seemingly imprinted on the child's brain? She names herself Rosalind de la Fontaine since she cannot remember who she is. In her first season in London in 1835, under the aegis of the Sherbookes, she meets Nicholas Vail, the 7th Earl of Mountjoy, newly arrived from Macau. It is instant fascination on both their parts, but for different reasons. With Grayson Sherbrooke, they are led to an ancient copy of a mysterious book written by a sixteenth-century wizard. The book is written in a baffling code that neither Grayson nor Nicholas can read. But Rosalind can, easily. Strange things start happening. Both Nicholas and Rosalind know it has to do with the old book and, perhaps, even her past, particularly the song she first sang as a child. The urgency builds as they realize Rosalind is the key to a centuries-old mystery.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

A good deed brings forth a mystery that is older than the ages. WIZARD'S DAUGHTER by Catherine Coulter is a tale that shows that even when we think we know who we are, there are still some things about ourselves that are hidden. And, for those that know nothing of their past, sometimes the secrets finally revealed are startling beyond measure.

As a child, Rosalind is rescued by Ryder Sherbrooke. She is silent for a long time following her rescue, but when she first speaks, it is to sing a song, one which no one knows the meaning of. The years pass and when Rosalind takes her place in society she captures the attention of Nicholas Vail. He, too, arouses her interest. Together they uncover the secret of just exactly who Rosalind really is.

If wizards, fate and discovery intrigue you as much as they do me, you will love reading WIZARD'S DAUGHTER. Catherine Coulter's easy, fluid style of writing brings every aspect of this tale seamlessly to the mind of the reader, making vivid descriptions come to life with apparent ease. I loved Nicholas instantly, picturing him clearly and feeling his pity for the women in the hot ballroom where we first find him. He is handsome and sympathetic, a true hero. I wanted Rosalind to claim him right from the start, but of course it couldn't be that simple, could it? Before this pair has any chance at happiness they must solve the riddle of the song, and of Rosalind's origin. I loved watching them work toward this goal, and I think you will, too.

Kay James