A Sorceress of His Own (Gifted Ones, #1)

by Dianne Duvall

From the New York Times bestselling author of the acclaimed Immortal Guardians series comes an enchanting new series full of romance, danger, and loyalty: The Gifted Ones

Since the day Lord Dillon earned his spurs, rumors of his savagery on the battlefield have preceded him into every room, stilling tongues and sparking fear. Weary of battle, he wishes only to find a woman he can wed who will approach him not with fear, but with the tenderness that has been absent from his life for so long. Yet only the wisewoman seems invariably at ease in his presence. Perhaps because she garners the same fear in others that he does himself.

For seven years, Alyssa has been by Lord Dillon's side, counseling him from the shadows, healing him with her hands, and staving off the worst of his loneliness while his fearsome reputation keeps others at bay. Blessed--or cursed--with gifts that label her a sorceress, she is forced to conceal her youth and the love she harbors for him beneath umbral robes that lead Dillon and his people to believe she is the same aged wisewoman who served his father.

All is revealed, however, and passions flare when an enemy threatens Dillon's life and Alyssa sacrifices everything to save him. When Dillon discovers that the wisewoman is far from elderly, he is instantly entranced. And, as he and Alyssa work together to defeat an enemy bent on destroying them both, Dillon will risk anything--even the wrath of his king--to be with her.

• ISBN10: 0986417114
• ISBN13: 9780986417115
• Publish Date: 31 May 2015
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Dianne Duvall
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 374
• Language: English

Reviews

[kimbacaffeinate]

A Sorceress of His Own takes us to 1198 England and the keep of Lord Dillon, Earl of Wescott. Feared by many and respected by all, Dillon is a fierce warrior, defender of the crown, and a fair lord. His chief advisor and resident healer is the "Wisewoman." Cloaked in dark robes, no one has seen her face. Others perceive her an old woman whom some believe is immortal. She served both his father and grandfather.

There is much Dillon does not know about his Wisewoman. At the age of sixteen, Alyssa took over the role of Wisewoman from her grandmother when Dillon came into power. Alyssa has had a crush on Dillon since she first laid eyes on him and witnesses a kindness. He knows her only as an old woman since she alters her voice and uses magic to conceal her youthful hands. She is both a healer and a seer.

I absolutely loved the story that unfolded and the period is such a dangerous time for someone like Alyssa. Duvall creates characters that I instantly connect with and pulled me into their romance giving me all the feels, swoons, and giggles I could ask for.

I loved how fierce, stubborn and yet caring Alyssa was. She readily makes sacrifices for others and yet denies herself. I loved her transformation throughout the story and the way in which her relationship changed with Dillon's men and with those in the keep.

Dillon is all warrior, and yet in his chambers, he reveals a gentler side. He cares for his people, wants someone strong by his side. He enjoys pillow talk and places value in others opinions. He is protective and dominant without being overly possessive.

The romance was completely swoon-worthy and unrushed. Duvall slowly allowed their relationship to develop, giving us tender moments, moments of discovery and yes-unbridled passion. I loved the teaser, banter, moments of misunderstandings and resolutions. There are SO MANY awesome quotes filled with snark and humor I wanted to share with you but think you should discover them on your own.

Politics, betrayals, battles, and mortal wounds surrounded the romance giving us a sense of this world, government, and climate. The story was addictive as Dillon and his soldiers faced nemesis. Alyssa had visions of danger to come. We faced twists, turns, and unknowns that placed our hero and heroine in peril.

Duvall is a masterful storyteller who fleshes out her worlds and gives depth to her characters. Even her secondary characters are memorable. I loved the thread about the gifted ones and loved that Seth (from Immortal Guardians) has been protecting gifted ones all of this time.

Kristen Potter narrated, and she was perfect for this tale. This was my first experience with Potter, but I must confess it will not be my last. Her voices, tones, and accents were spot on creating another layer to an already brilliant tale.

Audio provided by publisher. This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer

[EBookObsessed]

This series is a prequel to Dianne's popular Immortal Guardian series. This is the introduction of the gifted ones. They have advanced DNA and special abilities such as reading thoughts, healing with their hands or seeing the future. It is their descendants who will someday become the Immortal Guardians. It is much different from her current series, but just as enjoyable.

Alyssa was only sixteen when she dons the cloak that her grandmother wore for so many years as the advisor to Lord Dillon's father. Now Dillon is assuming his father's title and it is Alyssa who will serve as his healer and advisor. Her grandmother has told her many tales of the noble deeds that young Dillon has performed and Alyssa's admiration for the young lord have convinced her that she needs to take her grandmother's place.

Alyssa has promised that she will never remove her cloak. Giving the old wise woman and almost deathless presence and allowing the people to believe her powers have only grown over the years so none would dare cross the young girl hiding behind the mask of age and power.

Lord Dillon is a feared warrior and has used his fighting skill in many battles. He has earned the loyalty of his men and many gifts of land and wealth from his king. The one thing that battle has not granted him is a woman of his own by his side. A woman who will not fear him like so many of the noble women do and someone who will guide him and love him and who is willful enough fight with him when the occasion warrants. The only woman who fits that description is the old seer who has stood by his side these many years.

It is the moment that his king grants him the lands which belonged to the son of Dillon's friend, who has insulted the king, that will cause the greatest change in Dillon's life. When Dillon goes to seize the castle, he and his men are attacked on the road and Dillon receives a mortal wound. He is brought back home and Alyssa is brought in to try to heal the wounds. No one knows that in order to heal, Alyssa takes the wounds into her own body. If she wants to save Dillon, Alyssa will need to trade her own life for his but this is a sacrifice Alyssa has been willing to make since she arrived at Dillon's door seven years ago.

After Alyssa collapses, Dillon learns that she is the young woman who has haunted his dreams and he will do whatever he must to make Alyssa is bride, even if he has to fight his king and Alyssa herself.

THOUGHTS:
This story has a bit of a Game of Thrones feel to it that when things were going bad for Dillon and Alyssa, I truly started to be concerned about what awful things would happen to them. I was waiting for the backstabbing and the betrayals. Thankfully, this is part historical/part paranormal and all romance which means the raping and mutilations are kept to a minimum. *Whew*

You can't help but admire Alyssa. She is a strong female character and very pragmatic. While Dillon has flights of fancy about how they will be together forever, it is Alyssa who points out the reality of their situation, like: She is not of noble blood. The king will never allow them to marry. Everyone thinks she's an old lady. The people fear her powers as much as they fear Dillon.

I appreciate that even before Dillon learns Alyssa is a beautiful young woman, he finds out that she is feared and rejected by his people. Dillon makes an effort to point out that Alyssa has healed almost everyone in the town at some point in time and shames them into realizing she deserves better treatment. Dillon's brother, Robert, takes up the cause as well and does a better and much more subtle shaming of the people that by the end of the story, Alyssa finally has the respect she earned for the last seven years.

This is a much different story than Dianne's Immortal Guardians, but her writing style is enjoyable, the characters are loveable and judged separate from her other series, it was a wonderful story and a great beginning to a new and different series.