"Wonderful Fantasy Series"

MERCENARY'S PRIZE: SONG OF THE BEAR 1 picks up with our intrepid warriors on a boat. They are trying to find the Island of Tir na nOg, the home of the Sidhe King and Elandine/Shammal's father. Tranorva will not rest until the Sidhe King reunites Elandine's body and spirit. All her family is with her on this voyage. And a few have accompanied her that aren't related to her: Dahlai, the slave she picked up in Elahandara, and Balthain, a mercenary in her brother-in-law's guards.

While on the voyage, Balthain is visited by his "dream lover" in his dreams again. There is a difference. This time, he can actually touch her and she can touch him. She begs Balthain to find her and save her. Dahlai is her daughter and Balthain swears to protect Dahlai and find his "dream lover".

They finally reach their destination. They meet the Sidhe King and he reunites Elandine's body and spirit. Once Elandine is well again, the King accuses Elandine of crimes against the Sidhe. Will Elandine beat the charges, or will he forfeit his life? Meanwhile, our warriors are planning on how they can rescue Clan Bear from the mines under Elahandara.

Shelby Morgen has written a wonderful series of books. Her characters are all well-rounded and believable. In this story, we learn the value of true love as Tranorva proves she is willing to do anything to save her lover and mentor, Elandine. MERCENARY'S PRIZE: SONG OF THE BEAR 1 is truly a wonderful fantasy story. These stories all have great plots and draw you in from the very first page and hold your attention throughout. I highly recommend any of Shelby Morgen's work.

Reviewed by Chere Gruver
Courtesy Sensual Romance Reviews
Posted May 3, 2004

Sexual Content: Hard R/borderline NC-17

Summary

All Tranorva had to do was cart a dead man half way around the globe to an island no one knew how to find, persuade the King of Faerie to grant her an audience, restore Élandine's spirit to his body, and waive the prohibition against Fey and Mortal marriages.

Right. Simple enough until restoring her family made Tranorva heir to a dead house and a captive people. Now the King of Faerie has set her an even greater challenge. The price of Élandine's freedom is the price of her own, and she must rely on the aide of a Rogue and a thief to clear Élandine's name and bring her people home. Can she trust Balthain to find the truths hidden deep in the heart of Élahandara or does the Mercenary have an agenda of his own?

Everyone has a price...