Heart of Glass (Skye Druids 3) by Donna Grant-review & excerpt
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 12, 2023
A desire that won’t be denied.
Ferne Crawford is a Seer with unique abilities that set her apart from other Druids. She once ignored her magic with tragic results. So, when she’s bombarded with visions of a great evil that call her to a place she’s been warned never to go, she’s powerless to resist. Her life takes a drastic turn the moment she arrives on Skye and encounters a handsome, valiant stranger. Theo makes her ache for his touch. Their meeting stirs an explosive passion, awakening a yearning that only he can satisfy. However, there’s more than the malice which brought her to the isle that intends her harm.
Detective Inspector Theo Frasier carries the weight of the isle and his people on his shoulders. With more Druid murders and no leads on who’s controlling the killing mist, he’s beginning to feel the strain. The last thing he needs is anything—or anyone—distracting him. But once he meets Ferne, he can’t get her out of his head. Or his heart. She fills his every thought, day and night. His need for her consumes him, pushing everything else aside. But will his love be enough to save them from the growing threat?
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REVIEW:HEART OF GLASS is the third instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult SKYE DRUIDS paranormal/fantasy romance series-a spin off from the author’s REAPER series which in turn is a spin off from the author’s many interconnected series and stories. This is Druids Detective Inspector Theo Frasier, and Ferne Crawford’s story line. HEART OF GLASS should not be read as a stand alone- I recommend reading the series in order, as well as DARK ALPHA’S COMMAND (Reaper 15) for back story and cohesion as many of the events of the current time line are as of a direct result of the events in Dark Alpha’s Command. Several characters from the other series including Reaper Balladyn and Druid Rhona (Dark Alpha’s Command) and some of the original Dragon Kings (Nikolai) and Reaper characters appear as secondary and supporting characters.
SOME BACKGROUND: Months earlier, betrayal and vengeance forced a take-over of power on the Isle of Skye but someone or something is killing the Druids, not only on the Isle of Skye, but around the world including Edinburgh Scotland. With the focus on the death of the Druids on the Isle of Skye, Balladyn and Rhona (Dark Alpha’s Command/Reaper 15) begin an investigation that reveals a danger targeting the Druids and the MacLean family, in particular.
Told from third person perspective HEART OF GLASS continues to focus on the mist that is slowly killing the Druids on the Isle of Skye. Ferne Crawford is a London Druid but something or someone is calling Ferne to Skye. Years earlier, the Druids separated, and those in opposition left for London, vowing never to return to the Isle of Skye. Ferne’s need to leave is met with resistance from her brother Mason, and in its’ wake, Ferne learns she is on her own. Meeting Detective Inspector Theo Frasier pulls Ferne into a world she knew nothing about, a world of dragons and Reapers, and a mist that is calling our heroine for help. As Ferne and the Skye Druids work together to stop the person in charge, someone else is controlling the mist behind the scenes. What ensues is the quick building relationship between Ferne and Theo, and the potential fall-out as Ferne is caught between realms in an effort to help the people with whom she is falling in love.
The world building continues to focus on stopping the mist that is threatening and killing the Druids on the Isle of Skye. Someone is seeking vengeance against the Druids, someone is controlling the mist, and someone else is about to pay the price.
The relationship between Theo and Ferne is one of immediate attraction. Ferne’s arrival on Skye piques Theo’s interest, strengthens his magic, and pulls our couple towards their destiny. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate.
Once again, there is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters many of whom cross over from the author’s numerous interconnected series including Druids, Reapers and Dragons. We are reintroduced to the TruthSeeker Esther and her mate Nikolai (Heat/Dark Kings 12); Elodie and Scott, Edie and Trevor; Rhona and Balladyn, as well as the Knights: Sabryn, Carlyle, and Finn, as well as the introduction of Ferne’s brother Mason, and well as Druids Kirsi, and Callum.
HEART OF GLASS is another multi-layered story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, following several plot lines, several building stories, and possible relationships deceptions. The fast paced, character driven premise is dramatic and intense; the romance is seductive yet subtle; the characters are energetic, captivating and powerful.
Reading Order and Previous reviews
Iron Ember
Shoulder the Skye
Copy supplied for review
Reviewed by Sandy
The closer she got to Skye, the more her stomach churned. She could turn back. She had yet to reach the isle. Sure, her brother knew where she was going, but Mason would accept if she returned before going farther. Yet she didn’t turn her car around. She kept driving.
The bridge that connected mainland Scotland to the Isle of Skye came into view. There was still time. All she had to do was pull over and turn around to head back to England and Mason. Generations of Druids knew never to come to Skye. It meant immediate banishment by family, though Mason would never do that to her. He supported her. Always. Still, she felt a gnawing uncertainty that made her want to retch.
“Last chance,” she whispered as she came upon the bridge.
Her foot lifted from the accelerator, but she kept driving. Her heart slammed erratically against her ribs when she reached the top of the structure, and then she was on the descent. Before she knew it, her tires rolled onto the Isle of Skye.
She shook so badly she thought she would have to pull off the road, but as quickly as the shaking had begun, it slowed and then stopped altogether when she was on Skye. Ferne’s gaze swept around her, taking in the shops, houses, cars, and people, not to mention the unimaginable beauty everywhere. The navigation system directed her toward the cottage she had rented, but she ignored it and just drove. She wasn’t supposed to be here. Not only because it had been ingrained in her from her earliest memories but because there was a really good chance the Skye Druids would force her out as soon as they learned who she was. Ferne would take whatever time she had to see Skye while she could.
Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.
She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.
Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.
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