TEST
For any readers who are fans of the Fantasy genre as well as Romance, Abandon should be quite a treat. The book offers an unending series of exquisite fantasy details so seamlessly woven into the story that the effect is reminiscent of Magical Realism. If the romance reached the same standard the book would be a definite Desert Isle Keeper. Although it does not, the book is still a quite satisfying read.
Anthony Hartstone, third Earl of Pentargon, has inherited the island of Abandon from his younger brother. Still grieving, he wishes to be rid of the property as quickly as possible, so he has arranged to sell it to a powerful politician in exchange for the man’s support of Anthony’s child-labor laws. Anthony, who suffered from a disability as a child, believes that helping thousands of innocent children is worth the price of displacing a few hundred islanders. Opposing him is Morwenna Halliwell, the daughter of an Arthurian scholar. The islanders believe that Morwenna has magical powers and can protect them.
The isle of Abandon itself is suffused with magic – some believe it is actually Avalon, the island where the dying King Arthur was brought. The book is sprinkled with Arthurian references. One of my favorites came when Morwenna accidentally calls Anthony “Pendragon;” his cold correction “Pentargon” reminded me of nothing so much as Gene Wilder snapping “Not Frankenstein, FRONK-en-steen!”
The dozens of magical details are utterly wonderful, subtle and enchanting in a way that weaves an atmosphere of wonder. In his brother’s study, Anthony finds a book from Morwenna’s father entitled Herein Lies Magic whose illustrations hint at events that are just about to happen, starring characters who look remarkably like Anthony and Morwenna – but the book can’t be opened to any page but the one it wants to display. The charming magic that Morwenna seems to attract is countered by Pasco, the island warlock. “According to local lore, he had appeared on Abandon the day of her mother’s death, like a toadstool that sprang up when the sun vanished behind the clouds.” Pasco is an effective reminder that magic is not all sweetness and light.
Although the magical detail is splendid, however, the romance is very bland. After a good start, Anthony and Morwenna become curiously flat characters. They’re opponents who are attracted to each other physically, and then all of a sudden they’re in love; it was never clear to me how that came about. It’s one thing for Anthony and Morwenna to be Destined for each other, but for the romance to be satisfying, we need to see the map that destiny used to get them there. Anthony’s refusal to explain his reasons for selling the island seemed pointlessly irritating. I was also disappointed when the intriguing subplot involving Anthony’s brother dwindled to nothing; there was enough evidence that he had been a kind and intelligent person that I wished to learn more about him.
The fantasy elements of Abandon are so good that it might be an effective bridge for romance fans who would like to sample the fantasy genre. Jillian Hunter has a sure hand with magic, and it was a delight to read. While I wish the romance had been as spellbinding as the fantasy, this book is well worth a look.
Grade: B
Book Type: European Historical Romance|Fantasy Romance
Sensuality: Warm
Review Date: 03/05/01
Publication Date: 2001
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Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.