MYSTIC RIDER

Author: Patricia Rice ISBN: 9780451224583 7/2008 PARANORMAL/HISTORICAL Publisher: NAL/Signet
Time Period: 1791 Paris

Ever since a sacred chalice disappeared from the mysterious isle of Aelynn, the land has been plagued by drought. It falls to the island's powerful Sky Rider, Ian Olyrnpus, skilled fighter and visionary, to venture into the Outside World and retrieve the cup. Chantal Deveau has applied her musical gift to writing impassioned anthems for the French Revolution. But now that the mob has imprisoned her family, she seeks to buy their freedom with her one valuable possession: a jeweled cup. When a tall, dark stranger enters her home and demands she give him her prize, her outrage is nothing compared to her powerful sensual response to his presence ...and her startling conviction that their lives are irrevocably entwined. Ian recognizes Chantal as the intended mate revealed to him in a vision long ago. But even he is astounded by the lightningswift attraction he feels for a woman not of his world. Now he must choose between duty and desire—and open his heart to possibilities that even he could never have foreseen.

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

MYSTIC RIDER is the second installment in the Mystic Isle series. I read, and loved, the first book, MYSTIC GUARDIAN. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I wondered if this new book could live up to the expectations I had for it. The good news is that it did. MYSTIC RIDER is filled with history, romance and passion, a story that pulled me in and held me captive. I loved it, so much so that when the last page was read I was satisfied, but disappointed. I wanted the story of Ian and Chantal, the Oracle and the island, to go on.

This is a quest story, one where internal changes must come about before the primary characters can restore well-being to their external world. Their challenges seem insurmountable, but as they adapt and evolve as beings they find a way to complete their destined tasks.

The Mystic Isle of Aelynn is in trouble again. This time the task of finding the sacred chalice falls to Ian, challenging to claim his mate in person. But he's never ventured from the island to the Outside World, so the journey is a shock to his sensibilities, especially when he learns the chalice is in Paris. It is right smack-dab in the middle of the uprising that is the French Revolution. How can the fates be so insistent that the last Olympus male on Aelynn venture into such a chaotic mess?

Of course they do, and he does, and the voyage and adventure are spectacular. I have never been particularly interested in this point in world history, but Ms. Rice makes the Revolution come alive in such a way it is wonderfully gripping. I love the way both leading characters negotiate the external maelstrom while each wages an internal struggle. Their extra powers bring added responsibilities and they fight to use them appropriately, something that is easier in theory than in practice.

MYSTIC RIDER is enchanting. I can't wait for the next installment in the amazing Mystic Isle series! I am hooked!

Kay James