Rainbow Reviews

BOOK BLURB:
Two years ago, Elantho’s lover drowned in a terrible accident. Now, still grieving, he is sent south to the island of Tash to recruit Eshandri, son of the local matriarch, to join the Blue House of Lachant. What Elantho finds, however, is a powerful being who does not need instruction, and who offers Elantho the promise of a freedom he has never known ~ and a love he never thought to experience.

BOOK REVIEW:
This story is described as Book Two of The Water Lovers of the Islands series. The world building is sufficient in this offering to read it as a standalone, but there was some confusion evident. As I haven’t read the previous book, I’ve no clue how much information and background is offered in that story to set up the world continued in Seventh. Although the terminology, places, and names are confusing with little context to help, the story is still readable and incredibly enjoyable. Perhaps reading the books in order of the series may increase understanding and enjoyment as the two existing books deal with individual couples within the same setting.

Even with the lack of knowledge about terms and setting, this is a lovely and enthralling story set with Bryce’s trademark lyrical fantasy. The writing is beautiful and evocative, bringing lush and descriptive backdrops into startling and rich focus. From the northern shores with their rigid rules and strict adherence to custom to the southern freedom and intense colors, the reader is swept along a fascinating journey about faith, hope, and change. The world building of Water Lovers was intriguing with its description, although the connection as lovers to the Goddess was not fully explained. Furthermore, the terms taleve and surano appear to be similar in meaning but not exactly the same with the former indicating a man of power from the north and the later, a man of power from the south. As these are bandied about freely, it helps to know their context ahead of time.

Elantho is a taleve and may not be a likable character for many. He’s surly, rigid, uptight, angry, and not very pleasant to be around. However, I connected with him early on and felt empathy as he struggles to move on from a man he may have only known a short while. The powerful emotions his first lover invoked were more important to the unfulfilled needs Elantho refused to recognize than a reflection of deep love for the actual man. However that doesn’t diminish Elantho’s very real anguish and sorrow that many refused to acknowledge. It is only through Eshandri’s persistent questioning that Elantho is able to express why he is this way from his upbringing to his self imposed exile from other people. Elantho’s slow progression through the story was alluring to watch as he will continue to change even past the end of the story.

Eshandri presented a very good foil for Elantho’s introverted personality with Eshandri’s outgoing and naturally gregarious manner. His self awareness and insight help shatter the presumptions and assumptions Elantho let rule his life while giving a gentle and continued support to the more sheltered Elantho. Eshandri’s slow and subtle seduction of the other man lent perfectly to the languid but vital feel of the story. The story and characters’ journey can best be described by the following quote:

”When the cage door opens for the first time, when you’ve never know what it is to be free ~ then, yes you’re afraid.” Eshandri grasped his hand, brought it to his lips, and softly kissed his fingers. “Before I became a surano, I was just one of ten children, always lost among my siblings. Sometimes people forgot I was there. Then the Lady came, and a door opened, and I had to walk through it alone.”

This is a lovely fantasy story with a classical feel that works perfectly with the exotic descriptions and setting. The fully realized characters combined with memorable prose give this story a sure win for fans not only of Bryce’s but also romance fans who enjoy a delayed build up that is never slow or boring. I enjoyed reading this story and look forward to more in the series.

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