Review: 4.5 stars
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 09 30, 2011
Destiny United by Leia Shaw is another great book and is the second installment of the Shadows of Destiny series. Ms. Shaw is definitely off to a strong start with this series. The paranormal romance genre can get quite pedestrian when is comes to different ways to tell similar stories. However, Destiny Divided (Book 1 in the Shadows of Destiny Series) and Destiny United are refreshing in their originality. The author is able to construct a world of witches, vampires, and shape-shifters that is original and intriguing.In Destiny United, Erin Bolton, who is Sage's (heroine from the first book) foster sister, is uncomfortably shy and phobic of strangers and strange places - so much so, she suffers from debilitating panic attacks. The only thing that helps her cope is alcohol. Marcelo has been given a job by Sage, Queen of the Underworld, to escort Erin to the Underworld to be protected from powers that be who would harm her. To fulfill the request of the Queen, Marcelo must discontinue his 800 year search for his wife and contend with a person whose phobia is disruptive in his plans to get Erin to the Underworld .This book is unbelievably touching and frustrating. A combination that adds to the appeal of this story because of the personal growth the heroine, Erin, experiences. The key role Marcelo plays in Erin's metamorphosis plunges the two into an emotional relationship that will have you cheering, crying, and sighing. The author creates a solid connection between her audience and the main characters in this story. The relationship and plot coalesce into a story from which you cannot walk away. Ms. Shaw's aptitude in creating an original paranormal world is outstanding and one you don't want to miss..