Cynthia F. (frazerc) reviewed on 11/11/2009 + 672 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 6

Book 8 in the Celta Heart Mates series is a good read. The hero and heroine are pleasant and interesting - people you would like to know - but not as vividly drawn as earlier heroes and heroines. Much of their interaction is implied - we see it around the edges of the plot and while one or the other of them angsts about it inside their heads. The driver for the plot is the heroine and hero helping young people mature and embrace themselves. Avellana D'Hazel [Vinni T'Vine's Heartmate introduced in earlier books] is being aided through her First Passage. Vinni is being helped towards independence and Laev is becoming an adult. Bonds are formed and strengthened between the adults and young people that will undoubtedly persist and contribute to future books.

Threads were laid down for new books. Although this is usually a good thing; the dangling thread for Laev and his obviously bad, bad, decision left me feeling uncomfortable with the ending. Rather like walking down a stair and thinking you have one more step and finding you've already reached the bottom...

One of the strengths of Robin Owens' writing is her believable world-building. She has crafted a fascinating, self-consistent world that she draws the reader into - background information always appears when needed and is never presented out of context. The characters have depth and you see their world, and their stories through their eyes.

It's much better to read them in order...

Celta Heart Mates series
1. Heart Mate (2001)
2. Heart Thief (2003)
3. Heart Duel (2004)
4. Heart Choice (2005)
5. Heart Quest (2006)
6. Heart Dance (2007)
7. Heart Fate (2008)
8. Heart Change (2009)
9. Heart Journey planned for 2010

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