Robin D. Owens Reviews

Page One

Updated! January 13, 2007

Summoning Book 1: Guardian of Honor

Author: Robin D. Owens
Publisher: Luna Books
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: January 28, 2007
Genre: Fantasy
Format: Mass Market Paperback (Reprint)
Price: $6.99
ISBN: 0373802625
Author Email/Website: www.robindowens.com
Reviewer: Cyndi Witkus
Rating: 8.75 Gargoyles

Alexa Fitzwalter still mourned the loss of her best friend and coworker, Sophie. Yet the lonely trek in the Colorado wilderness, heeding the call of a Song she doesn't recognize, gives Alexa the chance to find a real home and more. Becoming a Marshall among the people of Llandrana was both an honour and a trying time. She doesn't speak their native tongue, one of the Marshalls tries to kill her during a test and she ends up taking his life. Then they want her to Choose a lover to link her to the land lf Llandrana so she cannot leave. Never once do they explain anything. That is left for a feycoocu called Sinafin that appears with Alexa. How can she fix the fenceposts that protect Llandrana when she's unPaired and no one will do anything to help her understand what's going on? What happens when The Snap offers to take her home? And why does the ne'er do well Bastien attract her ever so much?

Just when I thought I couldn't like another world of Robin's as much as I love Celta, she brings me the aural world of Llandrana. What a wonderful idea basing a world on sounds and harmonies. I love how she's made her heroine really not understand the new world she's in and makes her struggle with the native tongue, thus causing some funny instances as well as allowing Alexa a sensual and she thinks break that won't matter to her heart. At first, I was almost afraid that Alexa might not stand up to the Marshalls and their restrictive behavior, but not only does she stand up to them, she gives them hell. This heroine is not a DID (damsel in distress) nor is she TSTL (too stupid to live). Alexa is a tough woman, trained in our world as a lawyer, who's had to deal with people who are bullies. In the end, Bastien and Alexa are forced to make a decision-- stay with the Marshalls who can't see they're repeating the past mistakes that cause them to be unliked by the regular people, including the Chevaliers, or to break away and do what's necessary to save the land and the people. Alexa and Bastien also have to come to terms with their feelings for one another as well.

I love fantasies, especially ones where the heroine gets to be more than just a pretty face. Robin has done that. She's given us a woman who is strong in her own world and she's still strong in a new one, even with handicaps to learning. Most of all, she's given us Sinafin. I want my own Sinafin. I need a feycoocu. I know Sinafin is a minor character, but she also provided not just an occasional comic moment, but she's a kick ass protector and instigator of the first order. Sinafin knows things, does not tell Alexa or Bastien, but is determined they'll work together and be together. Period. Of course, part of the fun is that Sinafin, as a feycoocu, can shift forms from a lovely little fairy to a small greyhound. Usually pink in colour. She has a thing for pink. *giggles* I love this feycoocu as much as I love the cats on Celta. Robin has a way of creating memorable secondary characters that you can't help but love.

This is a terrific new series by Robin D. Owens. I'm so glad she's part of Luna and has created a new lush series for her fans to enjoy. If you've never read a book by Robin, get Guardian of Honor. This is a fantastic introduction to one of the best authors in paranormal and fantasy. If you know Robin's writing, like Heartmate, Heart Thief, etc, then trust me, this book is worth getting hooked on. This is first in the series of the Guardians of the world of Amee, in the land of Llandrana. May there be many many more.

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Added February 19, 2003

Heart Thief

Author: Robin D. Owens
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: June 2003
Genre: Romance: Futuristic
Format: Paperback
Price: $5.99
ISBN: 0425190722
Author Email/Website: www.robindowens.com
Reviewer: Robin Taylor

On the planet Celta, at least 400 years into the future, Robin D. Owens intrigues us with another fantastic novel, Heart Thief.

Ruis Elder, is a Null, born without Flair. To be without Flair is despised. Ruis was born the son of a former GreatLord, and he should have been his father's heir, a GreatLord himself. Arrested, tried and convicted as a thief, Ruis is banished from Druida City. During his judgment he ran into Judge Ailim D'SilverFir. The bond was immediate. Even upon first meet, there was a connection between the two of them. However, now banished, Ruis would never see Ailim again.

GrandLady Ailim D'Silverfir, SupremeJudge. Sworn to uphold the law, no exceptions. But she just has to see Ruis, and does. She finds his Nullness wonderful, which is a shock to Ruis, as he was bred with contempt, and violently abused by his uncle his entire life, due to his Nullness. A mystery here is that Ruis wonders why he had to endure years and years of his uncle's abuse, and why his uncle wants him dead.

Their relationship begins based on the wonderful feelings that Ailim has for Ruis, in large part because her gift of Flair is telempathy, and his Nullness defuses those vibes. He makes her very comfortable. He is just as enamored of Ailim as she is of him. In addition to that, Ailim realizes that the NobleHouse did not treat Ruis right, and is determined to start a judicial review to reverse his banishment.

Ruis restores old-Earth machines. It is his one true passion. It defines who he is, so he cannot leave Druida. He cleverly moves to a location within Druida, in plain site, in an old starship, Nuada's Sword.

It is heartbreaking to read when Ruis approaches Ailim. She is caught between duty and desire. If she acknowledges him, her duty as a judge will call forth. If she ignores him, her heart and soul will be shattered.

In Heartmate, we were introduced to this wonderful, albeit insulting, cat, a Fam named Zanth. I am sure there is not a reader around who didn't fall for Zanth. Well, in this book, Heart Thief, we are treated to Samba. Not nearly as irreverant as Zanth, but gets right there in your face as well. She's Ruis' Fam, his companion while he goes through these trials. I just have to say that Ms. Owens has a way of writing animals. There is one opera scene that had me laughing out loud!

Ailim has more than the burden to prove and recover Ruis. She has to contend with her extended family, as she is now the family head. The family is near ruin. So she has to fight to restore finances, and to keep the family together. All the while, appointed to a new judgeship.

While Ruis is struggling to survive, and Ailim is adjusting to the many changes in her life, the passion that they feel for each other is palpable. Will they ever be able to scale their differences? The ones that prevent them from being together? This is a major highlight that makes me love Ms. Owens' book - the conflict is not between Ruis and Ailim, it is about their circumstances. I so looked forward to see these issues resolved one-by-one. Let me tell you, we are not disappointed. Ms. Owens has a flair with words that leaves the reader more than satisfied.

As the story progresses Ruis sneaks to find Ailim, despite the danger. Their sexual attraction is tangible, something that lifts right off the pages of this book. What heightens their attraction, in part, is the forbidden nature of it. He is banished, she is a judge bound by honor and duty. Yet, they want and need each other on many levels, physically, emotionally and mentally. This is where Heart Thief excels. Watching their relationship evolve is very satisfying to us.

Once a thief, always a thief? Perhaps, because Ruis steals Ailim's heart piece by piece. Oh, however will they be able to be a part of each other's lives? They meet as often as they can, knowing that each day and each time they make love could be the last.

For those of you who read Heartmate by Ms. Owens, where we first met Ruis, you might've thought Ruis unredeemable. Yet, here he is, hero of Heart Thief. It is an undeniable pleasure watching Ruis evolve. And, Ailim, as well. Life as a family head and a judge isn't what defines her. It takes Ruis for her to realize that. So, you see, there is a very high level of emotional connectivity. Ms. Owens brings all of her characters--main, secondary, and familiars--close to our hearts. One way that she does this is by the characters that warmed our hearts in Heartmate. There is often great comfort with the continuity that occurs.

Heart Thief employs a wonderfully high level of drama and romance that is sure to captivate every reader of this book. The reader cannot help but love this world and the characters that Ms. Owens created. This book, and it's predecessor, have earned lofty spots on my keeper shelves. Needless to say, Ms. Owens now becomes an autobuy for me.

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