Dark Secrets (Arcane) by Shona Husk-a review

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Release date: February 18, 2013

Dark Secrets by Shona Husk explores the world of Arcane magic. If you’re considered strong in your particular talent, you gain an apprenticeship and earn your membership in the guild overseen by a particular Lord of the genre. Confident that he had the potential to be something special, Haidyn Mast asked his betrothed, Anisa, to wait for him. Haidyn was refused. Ashamed of his rejection into the Union, Haidyn turned to a life of degradation, whoring, to be specific, and never returned to his love. When destiny brings Anisa to his town…will there still be a spark between them?

Did I mention Anisa thought Haidyn was dead? **Ripping off band-aid** and…that she’s new to town…because she married Haidyn’s enemy? Yiiiikes. Which issue should Haidyn tackle first? First, Haidyn will have to apologize for dropping off the face of the earth, tell her that he’s been selling “himself” to a lust house (at least he’s the owner now), and that one of his most despicable clients happens to be her husband. *Gasp!* A daunting task no matter which way he approaches.

…he has made a life as a prostitute – to all outward appearances. In truth, he sells his mind but not his body, using magic to let his clients experience their most secret fantasies while his hands stay clean.

Brixen Saw is the Lawman of the town. A once formidable man with the responsibility of upholding and dispensing the town’s justice (any way he sees fit), does his job amidst a shadow of judgment upon his character. Two previous wives died mysteriously; the town has always been suspicious of those circumstances. In spite of the muttering rumors (you’ll discover the truth), the Lawman, tasked with maintaining order and eradicating lawlessness, furtively visits Haidyn’s establishment, the Red Lust House every ten-night (hypocrite much?), but it’s to seek out Haidyn…as he prefers men to women. Yeah…I’d have given Anisa THAT knowledge first. But in rediscovering Anisa, and the love he thought had withered away with his refusal six years ago, Haidyn lays himself at Anisa’s feet and begs her forgiveness.

Skeptical to be sure, but definitely re-inspired by Haidyn’s admission of guilt and regret, the Lawman’s henchmen witness Anisa and Haidyn’s brief exchange and Anisa pays dearly for it (in spite of his marriage, the Lawman still visits Haidyn and a peek into his thoughts through his magic, sends horrific images of Anisa’s ruined back at the hands of her adoring husband). Haidyn might have failed Anisa before, but he’s smarter and stronger now; both in mind, magic and body. Now all he has to do is convince Anisa to trust him anew…and, what…run away? What to do…what to do?

I’d learned long ago that hope was worth more than gold. A man could live without gold but not hope.

Aside from the love story that is battling to survive from within and against outside sources, the subplot of the great divide between the licensed Arcane magic users and the “rogue” faction who has gone on to form its own guild, the Free Arcane Association, was just as interesting. Haidyn sympathizes with the latter (for obvious reasons), but as the owner of an establishment that sits on the fence of impropriety, coin pays for silence…on both sides. His clientele is comprised of paying, thrill-seeking patrons who check their allegiances at the door. I enjoyed the heck out of this story line as the reader decides who the bigger evil is.

Ms. Husk delivers a great story. Anisa is the jilted lover coming to terms with this new incarnation of Haidyn while discovering her husband harbors secrets and fury. Haidyn must continue his magical prowess long enough to…in order to…UGH…I CAN’T VERY WELL TELL YOU! There’s a lot to love in this short story. I will admit to getting lost a few times along the way with regard to the Arcane terminology (Kindle failed me this time; unaware of Ms. Husk’s magical world!). I was certain Dark Secrets was written as a sequel, but when I reached out to Ms. Husk (you knew I would!), she said it could be read as a stand-alone. I took great pleasure from this book, but look forward to reading Dark Vow (released in 2011) to visit the beginning. But I’m/WE’RE not done yet — Ms. Husk advised me she is working on a new book in the world of the Arcane. I’m clearly a fan…you think I can get some insight??? 😉

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied by author.