Reason To Believe

A man has been sitting out in the cold all day and as evening comes, compassionate Fabia Fair feels compelled to take in this apparently homeless man. Her ability to read minds allows her assurance that the man means no harm even as it shows her that his mind is not as it should be. This mystery man is clearly traumatized and cannot seem to speak, understand, or perform most basic functions without some assistance. Fabia provides that aid with some help from her beloved twin brother Niall.

Having been brought in from the cold, Rufus Valasay’s confused thoughts take days before they make any sense again. He regains his memory and general abilities with the help and patience of his beautiful rescuer. The events that led to his temporary incapacitation were anything but cheering. With the return of these recollections comes a driving need to right a wrong and the remembrance of whom and what he is. He was fortunate indeed that the angel of mercy who cared for him during his difficulties is as he is…Croyant.

Les Croyants des Trois are a minority people who can and do use magic. The rest of the world’s population is made up of the majority Moyenne or ordinary human beings. Some Croyant wish to integrate the two societies to benefit each other. The others believe that the only way that their society can thrive is by subjugating and controlling the Moyenne. It was part of this fight that had resulted in injuring Rufus. Now he and the one he has come to love are forced to return to the fray.

This is the second installment of the Magical Temptation trilogy but is the account of events before that of the first book When You Believe. As such readers can certainly begin with REASON TO BELIEVE without feeling at a loss in any way.

Rufus is the older brother to our hero Sariel from the first installment. His confusion and complete helplessness during his time under Fabia’s care is written with great nuance. The portrayal of his various broken thoughts easily underscores his distress and complete debilitation. As he recovers, we find out what a good-hearted and capable man he is from his interactions with the people around him and his protective streak for all whom he loves.

The situation with our heroine is a complicated one that is intriguingly described. Fabia and Niall are twins and telepaths. The examination of their relationship was as interesting as was that between Fabia and Rufus, though for entirely different reasons. Some bits of knowledge that each have of the other may be disconcerting. Descriptions of telepathy and the link that is forged with it over time made the entire concept fascinating to read about.

Fabia’s attraction to Rufus comes about in a very natural way and the teasing familiarity of his character is slowly brought out solidifying their bond. It is precisely because of the emotional connection that they have with each other that makes a bit of discord between them towards the end of the book seem odd.

Ms Inclán writes with intelligence and flair that captivates. The good versus evil theme is one for which many of us have a weakness. Furthermore, she gives her readers credit for being able to ascertain the meaning of unfamiliar terms or phrases by their use in paragraphs or sentences. What one cannot guess at can simply be looked up somewhere. It is refreshing to have a book not mimic foreign phrases with the English translations throughout a story.

Anyone who is drawn to wonderful storytelling, a world with magic and adventure, as well as a great romance cannot go wrong in picking up REASON TO BELIEVE.

December 2006