Dark Moon defender by Sharon Shinn

Dark Moon Defender, the third in the Twelve Houses series is a thrilling fantasy romance, a story of forbidden love and a dangerous cult.  Justin is a King’s Rider, rescued from the streets by Tayse, and is sent on a lonely mission to watch and report on what is happening in the Lumanen Convent where Coralinda is leading the Daughters of the Pale Mother in her fanatical quest to rid Gillengaria of mystics. Ellynor is a young novice who can move unobserved through the dark and when Justin rescues her from the unwanted attentions of a drunken nobleman, he becomes her friend. Both Justin and Ellynor are hiding secrets but love blossoms between the two and when danger threatens both will risk everything to save each other.

Although first published in 2007, the Twelve Houses series has stood the test of time and would appeal to readers of the romantic fantasy genre. The combination of danger, adventure and a slow burning romance is sure to thrill readers. Justin grows in strength from a young man who always follows Tayse’s leadership to one who must make his own decisions and fight for the right of mystics to live a peaceful life as he leads his solitary life posing as a stable hand. Hoping that Ellynor would overcome the danger that she unknowingly faces as a mystic in the Convent kept me reading to the end.

Followers of Tayse and Senneth from Mystic and Rider will also be thrilled to learn more of their love story and will delight in scenes when the protagonists from that novel gather together.

In Dark Moon Defender Shinn shines a light on the dangers of cults and how a cult leader can brainwash followers into believing that people who are different are evil. She highlights the importance of using magical gifts for good and of tolerance for people with magical abilities. This is a feel-good read that I return to when I want to escape into another world, one which Shinn has described so well. And readers who enjoy books by Robin McKinley, Juliet Marillier and Lois Bujold McMaster are sure to like books by Sharon Shinn.

Themes: Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Cults, Tolerance.

Pat Pledger