THE GILDED SPHINX - Isabelle Spurrier

The Shequanti, Book 2

Changeling Press - www.changelingpress.com

ISBN: 978-1-59596-607-0

March 2007

Erotic Fantasy Romance - Short Story

North Carolina and the lands of the Shequanti - Present Day

Kate George is living in a parallel world, one where elves and humans (called Numeni) co-exist, though not always peacefully. The dark sorcerer Abaus, an elf, is the one who brought her here. Kate had been rescued from Abaus’ clutches once by his cousin, Briason, but Abaus had managed to severely injure Briason and stole Kate back, securing her in his fortress. What Abaus doesn’t know is that Briason still lives, and he’s coming for Kate. But before he arrives, Kate is determined to develop her newly discovered magical talents so that she can help save herself and prevent any further injury to Briason.

Though Briason is still in need of time for recovery after the brutal beating Abaus inflicted on him when he kidnapped Kate, he is determined to get Kate back and then do what is necessary to keep her safe and send her back to her own world.

Abaus is sure that through his persuasive dark magic and sensual skill, he’ll break the hold that his cousin’s memory seems to have on Kate. Surely she’ll soon give in and accept his mastery, allowing him to take her magic and rule the world as he dreams.

Can the love that Kate and Briason found survive Abaus’ machinations? Is there any way an injured Briason can hope to defeat a healthy and ruthless sorcerer? War is coming to the Shequanti and one thing is sure, Kate is important to the future of both the Shequanti and the Numeni.

The primary characters in THE GILDED SPHINX are realistic and multi-faceted. Kate is a smart woman, though she’s being held captive, she has some freedoms including the ability to roam the keep and talk to servants. It might not sound like much, but you can never tell what helpful information a servant might have. Abaus uses his magic to force Kate’s obedience, nay, eagerness in his bed. Though Kate knows that her wild responses aren’t her fault, she can’t help but wonder if Briason will resent her for what she’s been forced to do while being held captive.  But Briason is no fool, and he doesn’t hold anything against Kate. She is, after all, his soul mate, his nemida. Kate and Briason are the kind of characters that readers will find themselves rooting for, hoping that they get a happily-ever-after.

Briason’s father, Kaberon, Prince of the Shequanti and one of the leaders of their people, plays an important role in the story. Not only does he reveal what a more mature Briason may look and act like, he gives Kate information that will prove immensely helpful in the future.

The second in the Shequanti series, THE GILDED SPHINX is just as entertaining as the first story, THE STONE TABLE. Danger looms throughout the story and sexual tension is thick in the air. Don’t miss the latest fantastic tale from Isabelle Spurrier.

Lori Ann