Review: Your heart will swell with wonder and happiness
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 23, 2011
This is a book that I am sure I will re-read time and again.Naef is an incredible character. I liked that he always deals with people on his own terms. He is proud and bitter, but he hasn't given up on life and he clings to it with every ounce of energy he has. Aerie-Smith has been cursed, together with his people, because of his own pride. He tries to expiate his guilt with honor and he sees beyond Naef's ugly physical appearance to Naef's pure heart. Aerie-Smith, in the form of a lion, slowly conquers Naef's love until the young man is ready to the ultimate sacrifice to help the noble Aerie-Smith and his people.The relationship between the two men is sparkling and sweet. Aerie-Smith tries to remind Naef of his beautiful soul and Naef can't help frustrating every effort with his snarky remarks, but their love can never be doubted.I liked all the secondary characters, each one of them was given a trait that makes them stand out. Naef's sister Gwen and his mother are two strong women who did and would do anything for Naef; Gwen's suitor is the first stranger to manifest a true compassion toward Naef; the inhabitants of Aerie-Smith's island, both in animal and human form, are generous and caring. Even if it's a short story, the world building is full of details.The end doesn't make everything perfect, but it shows that there are things that can help us feel better, and sometimes it's our pride that stands in the way. And when Aerie-Smith explains what his truth in the dark is, well, your heart will swell with wonder and happiness. A highly recommended book.