Enchanter Redeemed by Sharon Ashwood – a Review
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Description:
Ancient magic and new passion…
In the last battle for Camelot, Merlin had to make a terrible choice. Now he must pay the price. When a demon from his past reappears, she wants nothing more than to destroy the wizard. Now to reap her vengeance as a lover scorned, the demon occupies the body of Clary—the apprentice who is capturing his heart—and has the innocent behaving in uncharacteristic ways. Ways that push the forbidden desire Clary and Merlin share into heated play…
Review:
Author Sharon Ashwood informs her audience about the character, Merlin, you’re about to meet (swoon for, it’s inevitable) before the prologue. This introduction gives you a brief history and depiction of the character you’re about to lose sleep over. It’s precious insight, but in no way does it prepare you for the action and emotion in this story — it will bowl you over. Bravo to Ms. Ashwood for Enchanter Redeemed, a stunning conclusion to a fabulous series!
Merlin’s ultimate success in the battle for Camelot was short-lived because while it ensured King Arthur’s crown, it also stripped away emotion from the fae, their trusted allies. Recruited to defeat the demons plaguing Camelot, Arthur regrettably compromised their spirited nature. That issue, its resolution to restore feelings, troubles Merlin to no end.
As troubling as that is, Merlin’s priority is to stay on top of any vulnerabilities since the Queen of Fae’s incarceration by the Lady of the Lake; any suspicious activity that threatens King Arthur’s reconstructed Camelot. When Merlin’s stealthy surveillance of demons begins to yield promising information, Clary, his unsuspecting student, and wildest, albeit secret, fantasy, trespasses into his domain not only revealing Merlin’s presence, but she’s accosted by a spiteful, powerful demoness named Vivian.
“Ever since first meeting the knights of Camelot, Clary had wanted to help in their battle against Morgan LaFaye. Now she was infected by the enemy, a liability instead of an ally.”
Vivian, you’ll learn, is a woman instrumental in…all things Merlin. A woman scorned and all that jazz prompts Vivian to hijack Clary, body and soul. Torment aside, what nefarious deeds can Clary/Vivian commit to undermine Camelot under the scrutinizing eye of Merlin?
“He released her, but didn’t back away…Her skin glowed the same delicate cream, her mouth still invited him-and yet something was different. It prickled against a sense that had no name.”
Imbued with fantastic humor, when you’re hosting a demon hell-bent on revenge, you pray for compatibility. Listening to the inner dialogue between Clary and Vivian was equal parts enlightening as well as chilling. Their banter is both light and combative as they tangle amidst dueling purposes. On top of their communal attributes comes the knowledge (and jealousy) of the relationship once enjoyed by Merlin and Vivian. Talk about conflict of interest! Clary is beginning to understand Vivian’s history, and goals (that resolutely includes the demise of her mentor and lover, Merlin), but this invasion is also affording Clary new perspective: it’s impossible not to wonder (Clary flat out asks) if it wasn’t all bad between this once formidable pairing. There’s only so much confidence one has, am I right?
Will Merlin become The Enchanter Redeemed? Does Clary rid herself of the unwanted neighbor? Does Vivian earn any redemption? Will Camelot prevail in the end? All the answers will satisfy and delight. Don’t miss out on this epic finale. This is an engaging series that maintains energy with every character’s book. Your faithful fan awaits your return, Ms. Ashwood!
Reviewed by Carmen
Copy supplied for review
