The Hourglass (Signet Eclipse)
*Starred Review* After penning lively Regency romances, includingThe Duel(2005), Metzger tries something different and imaginative. Sir Coryn of Ardsley, called "Ar," is a knight during the Crusades who plunders and pillages. When he dies, he becomes one of many beings known as "Death." After ending people's lives for hundreds of years, Ar tricks Satan into giving him a chance to regain his mortality. The catch is, within six months Ar has to find a specific hourglass. Meanwhile, Genie Macklin is an outcast, finally finding her calling giving succor to wounded soldiers. Satan delivers Ar to the battlefield at Waterloo, where he meets Genie and, smitten, marries her. Even though Ar is perceived as a wealthy albeit mysterious nobleman, society won't accept his wife. So he uses some tricks he learned in the Immortal realm, which, unfortunately, make Genie more than a little distrustful of her new spouse. With memorable characters, a compelling plot, and smart dialogue, Metzger presents an extraordinary book that commands the reader's attention and lingers in the mind long after the last page is turned.Shelley MosleyCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved