"A Magical Anthology"

MYSTIC VISIONS is an anthology of three short stories, all of which feature a magical necklace that aids its wearer in determining his or her soulmate. In each story the necklace is prominently featured and carefully used for maximum impact.

Dragon Fire by Myra Nour

Xandor has been trying -- and failing -- to reach the next level with his mystic powers. His master informs him that the only way to grow is to find his soulmate, so he sets out immediately to secure her. He finds Zira, a blue- skinned woman on a far-distant planet. Her customs are strange, and even stranger are the tasks he must fulfill in order to become Zira's mate.

This magical, mythical story tells of the creation of the magical necklace that wends its way through the rest of the stories in the anthology. Though Xandor's dedication and determination are admirable, Zira and her world certainly steal the show in this fast-moving and highly erotic tale. Of the three stories, Dragon Fire was easily the most inventive, world-wise, and was actually futuristic even though the tone was more that of a fantasy romance. Nour's skill at depicting logical, believable relationships between two totally different people shines, and the story ends well, not seeming at all short as some novellas are wont to do.

Visions by Sahara Kelly

Nerin of Kushuk, a hard, demanding man, is entranced by the woman he finds washed up on the shore of the river. When he sees the branding on her ankle that declares her a slave, he decides immediately to keep her as his own, but Karrina Ishalla of Agade knows that she cannot be Nerin's slave -- for when she ran from her home, she took a necklace with her, and the Queen would be coming after it!

Visions is a great story for Kelly fans, taking the reader back to the world she first visited with the futuristic/alternate reality time-travel adventure A SUN GOD'S WOMAN. Some characters are revisited, though the previous adventure in Sumer need not be read to enjoy the novella that is presented here. Note that Visions is a historical adventure with no paranormal elements (besides the necklace).

Zayed's Gift by Ann Jacobs

Brian Shearer has been imprisoned in Iraq for years. The only thing he had to look forward to was coming home to his wife -- except she believed him dead and has remarried. Lost, he accepts a job in the Middle East, where he meets Alina, a female doctor who, though raised in the Middle East, has been to the west for training. She wants more than the males who mope because she is not a virgin, and Brian, wounded warrior though he is, seems like just the male for her -- she just has to convince him of it!

Zayed's Gift is a tale of release from captivity -- from the bonds of custom and habit, of the mind and of the body. Jacobs has a gift with words. The heat of the desert and Alina's slow sensuality burn the pages. Readers would be advised to watch for burned fingers. Though a contemporary story, this last offering in the anthology also has a touch of the paranormal, as well as the necklace, of course. Like Dragon Fire, it also involves a cross-cultural romance where the lovers must fight for their happiness. Also to be noted is Jacobs' careful handling of the Iraq/Middle East area as a setting. Some readers may find this read painful for that choice, but it makes for a powerful story and Jacobs handled it well. All in all, it is an enjoyable, satisfying conclusion to a well-written anthology.

Sensuality Level: The stories in this anthology have been rated Borderline NC17/NC17 by the publisher.

Reviewed by Ann Leveille
Courtesy Sensual Romance
Posted June 2, 2003

Summary

Three stories, three eras, one necklace. A sensual journey through time with one guide - a magical necklace, which unites lovers and ignites their passions. Endless in existence, timeless in appeal, this pendant transcends time itself. Just like love.

Myra Nour, Dragon Fire
Xandor needs a soulmate to achieve the coveted status of fifth-level wizard. With the aid of some very powerful magic, he finds her. But Zira's people have some intriguing notions about courtship and bonding. Xandor needs to bring his lovely blue elfin-maid to three consecutive full-body orgasms...and to win her heart.

Sahara Kelly, Visions
A woman running from her past collides with a man hiding from his future. Nerin of Kushuk has no idea that the naked woman he saves from the river will bring her passions into his life and his bed. She may be a runaway slave, and the necklace she clutches may be stolen, but something about her captures Nerin as surely as the thin golden chain that holds a single painted eye. An eye that can see into their hearts and reveal their deepest desires...

Ann Jacobs, Zayed's Gift
Lots of hot sex with a sultry and willing Arab princess: that's Alina's prescription to shock American former POW Brian Shearer out of grief for the marriage that didn't outlast his imprisonment, and out of some of the conservative notions he's held since childhood. But neither anticipates the blazing passion between them. Can a magic necklace and the ghost of the old Marsh Arab who gave it to Brian overcome their differences and lead the way to lasting love?