Review: Shattered Magic (The Chronicles of Arandal)
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 08 21, 2012
Rowan has fled her small village in an effort to save herself from a forced marriage to an evil man. Rowan is not a witch but possesses powers of the mind that have made her people targets of the kingdom of Aldendal in the past, like perceived witches. She is determined to make it alone in the outside world without attracting attention to her abilities. Not long after her escape she is attacked by a dragon and saved by a handsome man named Grant, and trapped alone with him in a cave. Grant is the Prince of Arandal and he hides his title from Rowan to prevent being pursued because he is a Prince. When Rowan realizes she is attracted to Grant, she figures that if she can seduce him, she won't be forced to marry, as she would no longer be a virgin. Excited at the prospect of being able to return home she sets her plan into motion and the two develop a relationship. When omissions are uncovered and danger lurks, will they really be able to be together?The story itself was entertaining, with magic and dragons. The romance does progress very quickly (2 or 3 days), and I can see other people being annoyed by the quick pace, but I thought it was necessary to the storyline. Personally, I wasn't bothered by it. I liked the length of the book and so I have to recognize that sometimes that means a longer buildup gets sacrificed in the process. People who prefer a more drawn out buildup in the romance may be put off by this.Every romance needs it's obstacles, and that's where I had an issue with this. Grant reacts violently against Rowan at one point, and I felt that she was way too quick and too happy to forgive him. I appreciate that the author tried to redeem him but it wasn't entirely successful for me. Still, despite the issue I had with Grant's behavior, I did like this story and would recommend it for a quick read.