Caller of Light by TJ Shaw – a Review

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Description:
Carina McKay is an outsider. With one parent of royal blood, she’s not nobility, yet not a servant either. The only comfort in her mundane existence is her love of Critons, the large fire-breathing creatures that protect the border of her homeland. But her destiny changes forever the day she catches the eye of King Marek Duncan.

Marek’s heart is closed to love. After an arranged marriage withers to a bitter end, he dedicates his energy to protecting his kingdom. Yet he’s searching for something more–the Caller of Light, the one who summons Critons.

Carina’s beauty and willfulness intrigue Marek, and he’s determined to have her. When his enemies try to come between them, he discovers just how much he will endure to protect her. Together, they can unlock a love that binds their souls, but only if they find the strength to follow their hearts.

Review:
Caller of Light by T.J. Shaw is her debut novel, which is a wonderful fantasy novel that totally surprised me.  Shaw shows a gift of storytelling that totally pulls you in.  Though it was nothing like C.L. Wilson’s Tairen Soul series, it did give me a feel of something similar. She has created a world full of Critons (dragons), and Kingdoms, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Caller of Light begins with our heroine, Carina McKay, who secretly sneaks out in the early mornings to ride her small baby dragon, Mira.  Carina lives with her father King McKay, and her half-sister, Marissa, who treat her like a misfit, or a poor relation.  Her father has been planning to wed off Marissa to King Duncan, as he promotes her as The Caller of Light…..the one who can call Critons.  There has been no caller for over a decade. Critons bond with their riders, but it is the Caller of Light who help guide the Critons.

King Marek Duncan, our hero, is on his way with his guards to meet his intended wife, when he spots from afar someone riding a Criton.  He tries to follow, especially when he sees it is a girl riding the dragon.  Unfortunately for King Duncan, he cannot catch up to the girl, and continues on to meet King McKay.  Since he is early, the King and his daughter are out, and it is Carina who must greet Marek Duncan, who arrives on his Alpha Criton, FireStrike, a beautiful red Dragon.  Carina is shy, but finds herself attracted to Marek (who does not tell her he is actually the King), as she shows him the land.  Marek finds himself enjoying Carina’s company, which is soon interrupted at the arrival of King McKay and his daughter.  Though they try to send Carina off, it is Marek who says he would like her to attend dinner with them all.  During his short stay, he finds himself not liking Marissa, and makes a quick decision to take Carina as he his mistress.  Since she is not of royal blood, he cannot make her his wife, but he cannot let her go either.

The story moves on as Carina leaves with Marek and his men back to his kingdom.  The saddest part of the story that brought tears to my eyes, when her father would not let her take Mira, which broke Carina’s heart. On the way home, they come across danger, a major battle for their lives, but due to Carina’s archery prowess, she helps save them.  Marek becomes closer to Carina during the long travel home, and it is a beautiful romance that ensues. He begins to realize that Carina is more then what her family thought she was.  When they get home to his land, the Critons treat Carina specially.  In time, Marek will explore more about Carina, and her infinity to the Critons.  At one point, there is another danger to Carina, who is saved by a special Criton, who is now transitioning to a full fledged Dragon.

There were so many wonderful parts of this story…The Critons, Marek and Carina’s love story, the matriarch Criton who comes calling, and Carina who must rise up and try to  save Marek. 

I loved the characters, especially Carina and the swoonworthy Marek. I enjoyed watching thier romance become the real thing.  The Critons were a thing of beauty. T.J. Shaw has created a wonderful debut novel that I would recommend to everyone.  I cannot wait for the next book. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Author

TJ is offering an e-copy of Caller of Light to one lucky member at The Reading Cafe.

1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page.

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3. Giveaway open Internationally

4. Giveaway runs from April 8 – April 11, 2013

To learn more about TJ, you can find her at the folloiwing links:
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