This novel was an enjoyable and quick read. It brings together a time during King Henry's reign when he debates about leaving the Catholic church, romance, and magic. The author brings the plot together very well and has very interesting characters. It shows the distance between "royalty" and commoners, men and women.
Alainn McCreary is the farrier's daughter, who was given to Morag to raise in the village since her parents did not want to raise her. She saves the life of Killian O’Brien, the chief's nephew when they were young children. She showed him her magical abilities and they have become close over the years. Alainn is very beautiful and is in love with Killian. Killian is a warrior and always protects Alainn, even though she wants to be able to protect herself. Killian falls in love with Alainn and they express their love in secret, much to the dismay of the O'Brien chief, who has his own plans for Killian. However, a curse placed on the O’Brien clan due to a wrong committed has impacted all of the current living family members. There are secrets that the chief knows and that Alainn discovers through her abilities. In order to protect Killian, Alainn knows she must leave. I cannot wait to read the next novel to see what happens to Killian and Alainn!!