#Review: A Sorceress of His Own by Dianne Duvall - 5 Wine Glasses

Title: A Sorceress of His Own 
Series: The Gifted Ones #1
Author: Dianne Duvall 
Format: eBook/Paperback, 347 pages
Published: June 2nd 2015 by Dianne Duvall
ASINB:00UL2G5K6
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Reviewer: Crystal
Source: Author
Rating: 5 out of 5 Wine Glasses

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. 

Crystal's Thoughts:
Dianne Duvall takes readers on a sweeping, powerful journey through 12th century England in a time rife with superstition where finding, and keeping, love is an arduous battle for even the most hardened of knights. 

Alyssa has been in love with Lord Dillon, the  Earl of Wescott, since the day she saw him defend her grandmother as a child. Now, years later she is by his side as his adviser, healer, and friend. But for the last seven years Lord Dillon has only ever known her as the ancient wise woman hidden behind her black robes. When in a desperate bid to save his life unveils Alyssa's true self, Dillon is astonished to find the woman he thought was but a dream. The woman he wants for his wife. Now he must convince Alyssa that birthplace, bigotry, and Kings mean little to him when it comes to the desire he has for her to be by his side. Alyssa and Dillon soon discovered though that those aren't the only hurdles they must overcome if they ever hope for a future together.  

A Sorceress of His Own begins the (kind of) prequel series to Dianne Duvall's Immortal Guardian's. Being a fan of this author already I was looking forward to more exceptional writing and vivid characters, what I found though was so much more! Let me preface this review by stating that you do not need to read Duvall's previous series/books to understand A Sorceress of His Own. And fans of the Immortal Guardians should not come in expecting the same type of world or setting with this story because it is completely new and different, but oh so good! 

Phrase by enticing phrase, Duvall weaves a spellbinding tale of unrequited love that soon turns into the forbidden. First we have Alyssa, a powerful young woman who has been scorned and feared most of her life because of her unnatural gift. Her character endeared itself to me from the first page with her determination to help her grandmother, protect her family, and sacrifice herself and her heart for Lord Dillon. I couldn't help but root for her and a happy ending from the get-go. Lord Dillon was such a strong, solitary character at the beginning of the story that I was surprised by the soft underbelly that was revealed as the story progressed. This is a man that will go to the ends of the earth for those he considers his and the battle he fought with his own people to pave the road for Alyssa's acceptance... *dreamy sigh* This is the kind of hero  you expect to read about and fall in love with in historical romances. His heartfelt desire for a companion and confident, a true partner in a wife, was swoon worthy as well. There were several secondary characters throughout the tale that captured my attention and I look forward to seeing more from them in future books. There were also one or two cameo's from Immortal Gaurdian characters that fans are sure to squee over. 

Aside from the captivating characters, Duvall also does a remarkable job transitioning from contemporary to historical. The world-building in A Sorceress of His Own is colorful and authentic. The medieval language doesn't weigh down the dialogue and feels natural. While the plot moves at a steady pace throughout the story. I was completely engaged from beginning to end; I never wanted the story to end and dreaded finally reaching that last page. 

All in all, Dianne Duvall has delivered a gripping story-line with characters that stuck with me throughout the day and continue to do so long after I turned that last page. A must read for 2015, grab your copy today!