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Kaska is a follower of “the Dark One”. Matia is a celibate Maid of Light, a warrior. Kaska rescues Matia when she is battling five highwaymen. He plans to challenge her, but the brigands have wounded her. He treats her, sews up the wound and cares for her. They become shield mates in a war, sharing a tent, and protecting each other while fighting.
Once the war is over, Kaska challenges Matia. Their closeness has led them to fall in love with each other, and the only way Matia can be released from her celibacy is to lose a challenge. They must fight one another until one is defeated. Matia secretly hopes to be defeated, but is honor bound to fight with all her might. . In summary, the main characters are engaged in a battle between dark and light and only one can win.
This novella has paranormal aspects along with graphic violence and sex. It is not for the faint of heart. Victoria Michaels developed the characters to the point that the reader cares about them and their internal conflicts. Kaska doesn’t want to harm Matia, but must challenge her in order to make an erotic “sacrifice” to his god.
Reviewed by Nancy Riggins-Hume
for The Road to Romance
July 2, 2004
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