Maledicte

Miranda lives in the slums of Antyre. When Janus’, her lover is claimed by his aristocratic father, Earl Last, she refuses to believe she will never see him again. Miranda awakens black-winged Ani, the god of love and vengeance to aid her in her quest to retreive Janus. With the aid of Baron Vornatti, Earl Last’s sworn enemy, she poses as a man and learns how to conduct herself within the intrigues of the court. She manages to reclaim Janus, but he has high plans for power and riches. Swayed by his own designs, she puts off Ani’s lust for vengeance, but she must war with the god and is continually torn between her love for Janus and the blood lust of the god. If Miranda doesn’t find herself, she could lose her love, destroy herself and the kingdom too. It seems that only Gilly, the Baron’s most trusted servant is able to hold the god at bay and keep Miranda somewhat sane.

Reminiscent of Regency England and all the gossip and intrigue of the ton, Ms. Robins has built a fantasy world of decadent aristocracy, betrayal, and characters that leap off the pages. Dark and bloody, this tale will capture the reader and give her a good case of the shivers. As black-winged Ani takes over Miranda more and more, the reader will surely be on the edge of her seat wondering if Miranda will finally go mad. Miranda hides her gender so well, even the King and Gilly suspect nothing and wonder why they are attracted to this slim, handsome young man. Everyone believes that Janus has a preference for the opposite sex. This reviewer loved this story. A fan of the darker type of fantasy herself, this reviewer savoured every word and became enthralled with the lives of Miranda, Janus and Gilly. This is Lane Robins debut novel, and this reviewer will certainly be watching out for more from this talented author.

July 2007