Book Review: Shamara

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Shamara     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Catherine Spangler
Class/Genre:   Romance   Science Fiction
Series: Shielder # 3
Lovespell, Sep 2001, $5.50, 368 pp.

On Travan, Eireen is stunned when her avaricious Uncle Vaden informs her that he bartered her as a virgin bride to the powerful Leors for a trade route. Though she knows as a female that she has no rights, she pleads with her uncle to reconsider especially since she possesses healing powers. He tells his niece that her virginity is worth more than her healing prowess, or else he would have sampled the goods. Eireen knows that her mind-seeing future spouse will quickly learn she is an Enhancer, a trait that will mean her demise.

Desperate to escape, Eireen must rid herself of her virginity so she enters the pleasure dome where she meets Shielder Jarek san Ranul, who is left dead by his foes. Jarek fully recovers and he realizes the virgin with him had to be an Enhancer using healing powers to save his life. He believes that Eireen could be the key to saving the Shielders from the genocide of the Controllers. However, he soon finds his responsibility as a leader conflicting with the needs of his heart to protect Eireen, the woman he loves.

With SHIELDER, SHADOWER, and now SHAMARA, Catherine Spangler has earned a high place among the elite of the science fiction romance sub-genre. The story line of her current tale is fast-paced, loaded with action that will please fans of both genres and adheres to the principles of the society that the author depicted in the previous novels. Eirene is a strong heroine while Jarek is trapped in a dilemma because he needs to endanger the woman he wants to keep safe. leading to a superb story.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner