Review: Into the Wind Shira Anthony
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 8, 2014
While on a mission to find Odhrán, who Taren believes knows where the rune stone is, Taren, of 'Into the Wind' by Shira Anthony, discovers a lot more than he bargained for. When he encounters Odhrán, he's not what he appears to be, but is most certainly not the evil man his legend portrays him as. He's one of a kind, with a great deal of power and authority. Odhrán is more complex than Taren can comprehend; but if he is to continue his search for the stone, he must follow Odhrán's instructions and hope that what he tells Taren is true.Taren's attempts to retrieve the stone is plagued with seemingly endless delays, dead ends, and revelations. During the process, Taren discovers a lot about himself and what he's capable of. His dreams and visions continue providing Taren with past experiences from a prior incarnation that he and Ian had together, but also moments from his own past which often cause great conflict and pain, but are also enlightening and encouraging. If he can, Taren wants to change what happens in the future so he and Ian don't end up as their ancestors did. Even though he misses Ian, the separation gives him more independence and provides him with an opportunity to make his own decisions. In many ways, Ian is too protective of him and Taren is feeling the strain. Taren loves Ian, but after being a slave for so long, he refuses to be under anyone else's control. Taren needs to be Ian's equal. It's a matter that must be resolved between them.Ian is beyond protective of Taren, which is actually a hindrance to his emotional growth. He's plagued by guilt over past events and can't forgive himself. This guilt is a roadblock to their relationship development. His insecurity and jealousy create problems which simply aren't there. Ian's reaction to Odhrán and his motives and intentions about Taren are totally unreasonable. Even with Taren and Ian's relationship with Rider in the past, he's still wary of Rider and worries about what could happen if Rider requires Taren to fulfill the year of indenture which he owes him. Instead of talking with Taren first, he basically makes an ass of himself by giving both of them ultimatums concerning their contact with Taren. Ian even insists that Odhrán leave, choosing his jealous feelings over the fact that he could be a powerful ally. Needless to say, Taren is furious when he finds out.  Odhrán knows why Ian dismisses him and leaves without protest, but he also realizes that he will soon need to help them when they are under attack, especially for his magical abilities, something none of them could accomplish by themselves.There are so many complicated elements in the story that I was almost overwhelmed trying to follow them all. Then, out of seemingly nowhere, Shira began to piece them altogether so expertly that I experienced an aha moment in which many things tumbled into place. There are some sad parts where I lost old friends and shed some tears; but I also gained some fascinating new ones. A lot happens in this sequel and fans of the series simply must read it to continue to cheer Ian and Taren along. To those of you who haven't experienced the series, you may want to join us who have experienced the magic, passion, excitement, heartache, adventure, and struggles, but want to, please start with reading the first book in the series and continue on to this one. You won't be sorry. Thank you, Shira, for this awesome addition to the series.Originally published at Rainbow Book Reviews.