Elemental Magic: Sharon Shinn, Rebecca York, Carol Berg, Jean Johnson
By: Angela Longstreet | 03.11.08 | 
Air, Fire, Water, Earth
Let them guide your heart...
From wizards to weathermen, many know the powers of the four elements-natural forces that can direct the fates, change destiny, and unite lovers in the most unexpected ways. Now, those magical elements-air, fire, water, and earth-come together in perfect balance, and a perfectly unique romance anthology, from four charmed authors.
In Air find romance in a breathless retelling of the Cinderella fable from award-winning Sharon Shinn, "an amazing writing talent"(Best Reviews).
In Fire blazes adventure in a parallel dimension of werewolves and love-slaves from USA Today bestselling Rebecca York, "a true master" (Rave Reviews).
In Water resides fantasy and a remarkable universe of magic, demons, and dangerous passion from "thoroughly original" (Starburst) award-winner Carol Berg.
And in Earth discover the ultimate in profound pleasure from Jean Johnson, "a fresh new voice in fantasy romance" (Robin D. Owens).
Bargain with the Wind-Sharon Stone
This was a combination of a bad "Gone with the Wind" type story meshed with the mystical old tales of fairies, brownies and other folktale mischievous wisps. Described as a "Cinderella" story, I found that the pauper in the story was simply a malicious entity who was as bad as the devils that she sold her soul to. What goes around comes around and at least in death can two lovers meet. Two stars for the confusion and making no sense at all factor.
Birthright-Jean Johnson
A quest through the deserts to determine the first born of twins; both girls were pulled out of mom via c-section so that doesn't count; proves that even nobles pretending to be common can find romance. Will she be the first born or will she just have to settle with an underpaid white picket fence lifestyle or can she even make the barefoot and weaponless trek through the burning earth? I give it three stars for being witty and unusual.
Unmasking-Carol Berg
Young mages snoop around where they are not wanted and come upon a strange site only to find out later that there may be a spy on the loose. The flunkie mage who has taken the final exam numerous times, and failed it each time, is given a task to save the entire tribe by pretending to be a maidservant to a non-magical man. The illusions are made but the trick is that water reveals all. Can she pull it off or will she end up drowned in the waters of romance? Three stars, amusing and as refreshing as a splash of water to the face.
Huntress Moon-Rebecca York
I cannot help but enjoy a story of a helpless noble being thrust into slavery. The poor thing displayed on the auction block in full nude glory for the masses to see. What would you do to save your mother's life and would you go so far as to put yourself up for auction as a slave so that you can act as a spy and bedmate for the bad guy? All I have to say about this story is that it is hot and well...fiery. 4.5 stars!
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Publisher: Berkley Trade (November 6, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0425217868
ISBN-13: 978-0425217863