Fortune and Fate

September 15, 2008
Following 2007’s Reader and Raelynx
, which wrapped up the original Twelve Houses fantasy quartet, this rousing sword-and-sorcery romance introduces Wen, a former elite warrior Rider haunted by her failure to protect King Baryn during a rebellion and heartbroken by her lover’s marriage to another. After Wen saves teen heiress Karryn, daughter of one of the rebels, from kidnapping and ravishment, Karryn’s uncle and guardian, Jasper Paladar, rewards Wen with an offer to train a cadre of bodyguards. Reluctant at first, Wen gradually faces her fears and falls in love with Jasper, the soul of sexy scholarly gallantry. Despite the tweeny dialogue and predictable derring-do, Shinn combines a substantial range of appealing characters with a solid reinforcement of women’s capabilities in peace and war, making the story comfortable, if not profound.

October 15, 2008
Failed King's Rider Wen embarks on a personal quest seeking redemption against a background of political entanglements and social disquiet. Shinn's fifth installment in her "Twelve Houses" series ("Mystic and Rider") continues to feature strong female protagonists as the author skillfully blends romance and adventure. The author explores new parts of her richly detailed world and introduces new characters while maintaining contact with old favorites. As a stand-alone, this volume is a good introduction for readers new to the series, while longstanding fans will appreciate another venture into a world of magic, swords, and political intrigue.

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.