This book is the third in a series about eight brothers, four sets of twins, whose destiny is given in a piece of prophecy - the destiny being the brother finding his soulmate. However at the start of this story, the unfortunately-named Dominor seems miles away from finding anyone. Kidnapped from his home island of Nightfall and taken captive to father a child with her in the Font. Serina decides to keep back some information from him when she finds out he doesn't want children. But there may be more between them than just the chance to break the Natallian curse and things might not go entirely according to Serina's plan.

The beginning of this book was very good with Dominor's experiences as a captive, his introduction to Serina and the scenes where he and Serina try to get a measure of each other. However the second half of the book really dragged where Serina spent the whole time doing calculations on slates and Dominor didn't do a great deal except train the son of Serina's friend in swordplay, tell people he didn't want children - oh, and sleep with Serina. Even the end of the book was predictable and there was almost no suspense involved in wondering whether Serina and Dominor would 'make up'. The Big Misunderstanding plot device here, about whether Dominor wanted children, just didn't work.

The worldbuilding of the magical lands was interesting but not particularly deep. The mages seem to be able to do just about anything which sometimes makes for lazy plotting. I was rather disappointed that the promise of the beginning of the book, with its considerations of the role of women in society and of slavery, was not fulfilled less series of sexual encounters with Serina's ever-present slate and chalk to mark each event. This was reasonable enough holiday reading but it lacked the depth and characterisation which were possibilities with the writing at the start of the story.

Originally published for Curled Up With A Good Book, www.curledup.com. © Helen Hancox 2007

Is it Dominor's time for romance in the prophecy of the Sons of Destiny?

Kidnapped and shackled for his powers as a male mage, Dominor never expected that he would be sold into slavery. Unfortunately, his powers make him a hot prospect in Natallia, a world dominated by female mages. Lady Serina Avadan hopes to restore the balance between women and men, but needs Dominor's assistance. Will Dominor find love despite his enslavement?

THE MASTER is Jean Johnson's third book in this series featuring eight brothers who have been exiled from their own home due to a prophesied curse. The Sons of Destiny series is probably best read in order as the characters from the prior books reappear quite frequently. However, it can be read as a stand alone although readers may miss some of the nuances of the various personalities and the sheer depth of this fascinating magical world Ms. Johnson has created.

Serina is the stereotypical scatterbrained and eccentric scientist in many ways. However, her friendships and desire to do the right thing humanize her and make her quite likeable. As always, Jean Johnson writes a story with a female character who is strong but not too brash. Dominor's caring attitude towards Serina is quite touching as is his flexibility in the relationship. Dominor is definitely all Alpha male but he recognizes Serina's strengths as well. The miscommunications between them work because of the way Jean Johnson develops her characters; I could easily imagine just the scenario she describes happening.

THE MASTER has a slightly different flavor than the two previous books. The magic is a bit more meticulously describe, due to Serina's gift with magical equations and her work on the project that she hopes will heal Natallia. Also, THE MASTER is a bit more sensual and explicit as the key to restoring balance involves Tantric sex magic. Fans of the Sons of Destiny will still appreciate this story and the tidbits about Rydan.

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

Book 3 in the series. You definitely want to read the books in order. They each rely on the previous editions for history.

The Series so far:

The Sword

The Wolf

The Master

I really enjoyed this story. Plenty of romance, humor, intense love scenes, and a unique plot. I loved the fact that both the hero and heroine were strong, independent, and intelligent... but accepted that they needed each other. When it was clear that one was stronger in a certain way, the other was willing to defer without resentment. All together, these things made the total story a true delight.

The reason this was a 4 Star rating, instead of a 5 Star, was the fact that I had to skim through a lot of pages. Jean Johnson has a terrific imagination. Unfortunately, she was far too thorough in explaining how certain magic spells worked, why certain types of magic were or were not possible, how some types of magic differ from others, how one country's traditions contrast with that of another... It was much more info than was necessary for the story. 2- 3 pages could be filled with the heroine explaining a single spell to the hero. It destroyed the mysticism that magic can give a story, making it entirely too clinical and draining my ability to let my own imagination sore while reading.

Dominor has been kidnapped from Nightfall Island. When his kidnappers are captured and sold into slavery blocking shackles to disable his magic, she realizes that he is a very gifted Mage. She gladly pays a high price to win ownership of him at the slave auction. Detesting slavery in general, she plans to have him help her with the war spell, then she will set him free.

Dominor quickly becomes interested Serina. Many things about her suggest to him that she may be his Destiny. He is more than ready to fall in love and find happiness. Over the next couple months of working side by side, Dominor and Serina learn that they enjoy leaning on one anothers strengths. There is a secret Serina is keeping from Dominor. The spell requires Serina to become pregnant by him. She is afraid he will not want to be a father. Little does she know, it is one of things he will come to want most.

Overall, my favorite of the first three books in the series. As always, Johnson has given us a great lead into future editions. We received hints for both Evanor's and Rydan's stories. Once again, I'm finding myself watching for the next in the series.