A Sorceress of His Own by Dianne Duvall
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Historical, Paranormal, Action/Adventure
Length: Full Length (274 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

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.

I have to say, this is one humdinger of a jump in time. It’s a good thing I was alone in the house when I got to the chapter with the surprise guest. I was surprised, overjoyed and thrilled. I voiced my “WOOHOO!” quite loudly. Then, came the realization of what Ms. Duvall had actually done and I was tickled pink.

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I have no idea if readers will find my reference obtuse but one of my favorite 80s movies is Krull and the Widow of the Web’s secret name was Lyssa or Alyssa, which reminded me of the heroine in this novel. In the movie, she’s also mysterious, clad in black and ‘knows things’, is considered a seer. So too is the heroine in A Sorceress of His Own. She’s the Wise One, the advisor to Dillon as lord of the keep. But she wants to be so much more to him and knows that can never be. As a plot conflict, unrequited love is quite effective.

Dillon is a man with an open mind which I greatly appreciated. His acceptance of what he eventually must face was refreshing because it was written as natural and thoroughly believable. His defense of his advisor, the woman who he never touches, never sees and never questions in any way when referring to her person, is amazing considering how much of a mystery she was to him for many years. The scene when he yearns for more, when she listens to his deepest heart, when the final moment of trust was sealed in that personal sharing is the turning point in their relationship. Things pick up from there.

The heroine’s love knows no bounds when it comes to Dillon. It takes a toll on her and is reminiscent of the original Star Trek episode, The Empath. There are so many elements of sci-fi fantasy movies woven throughout this tale that I can’t help but enjoy myself and look forward to what else Ms. Duvall will surprise me with.

The villain is easy to spot as he makes no bones about hating Dillon, but he’s a slippery one. He was written effectively and when, how shall I say this, when Allyssa asked Dillon where he was, the hero’s answer was worthy of a Jeff Dunham skit – I laughed out loud, then giggled. As morbid as it was, I found Dillon’s dry recount hilarious.

The only thing that I felt was a bit rushed were the scenes with and about the surprise guest. I can’t say anything further. Perhaps I am greedy for more and because I didn’t get it, I’m pouting. But that’s the only negative I can come up with for this whole novel.

As for secondary characters, wow, are there a lot to be impressed with. Every single one was important and certainly moved the plot along and contributed to my understanding of the hero and heroine’s personalities. Ms. Duvall excels in creating a community feel to her stories and this is no different.

I quite enjoyed my journey in the historical past spiced with the flavor of fantasy and the paranormal. I enjoyed Dillon’s eventual seduction of Alyssa and how very much in love they came to be. It was a hard road, filled with betrayal, sword fights, death, ambushes, and yet there are moments of lightness, joy and familial reconciliation. A love that can weather the storms that batter Dillon and Alyssa as they did surely means they are destined for a solid and secure happy ever after and I couldn’t be happier for them.

If a reader has read Ms. Duvall’s contemporaries but doesn’t usually read historical romances as a rule, I heartily and earnestly recommend giving A Sorceress of His Own a try. You might be delighted by the surprise like I was and add this new series to your must buy book list. I know it’s on mine. A Sorceress of His Own has a wonderful dynamic, an amazing promise of future adventures and a well-told romance that is sure to please. I’m a happy reader.