Forbidden (Medieval Series, 2)

This is just another example of Elizabeth Lowell's remarkable work. In my opinion, this book was not as great as the first one, but it is great nonetheless. Amber the Untouched and Duncan the Scots Hammer are a memorable couple. And I love how Lowell has Duncan remember bits and pieces but never a whole memory. Something will trigger a memory, but as quickly as it came, it is gone. The only thing I thought that would make the book more, would be if Amber was a little stronger. Though, I can understand why she did many things the way she did.This book also has one of the most memorable scenes from any book I have read. The scene where Cassandra *teaches* Duncan the true power and pain of Amber's "gift".I HIGHLY recommend this series of book, though I would also recommend reading them in order of sequence.

This is a splendid tale. A tale in which you are taken into a dark world of Learned and Sorcery. I found this novel to be quite intriging. Amber The Untouched. Duncan The Scots Hammer. He came to her in shades of darkness. Upon first touching him, Amber feels light and pleasure such as she has never known before. For Amber has known only darkness in touching another human. She could scry the truth from another person, but in doing so, it only brings her pain. Forbidden. Duncan awakes in the beautiful Ambers care. He has lost his memory. He cannot remember anything of his past life. Only the love from Amber saves him from the dark seething memories without answer. They forge a love, despite Duncans uncertainty with his past. But it is as if their lives are inexplicably entertwined. Amber is almost certain who Duncans true identity is. Yet she is afraid to reveal. When Duncan finally realizes who he is, he feels such betrayal from the Amber beauty. She had known, and in doing so, keeping it from him, she had forsaken him.Betrayal, hurt and anger fill them both. Will Ambers love be enough to heal the Scots Hammer? Or will Duncans immense feelings of anger and betrayal destroy all that they have? Including his precious Amber?This is a great story. You will love it.

Lowell weaves a grand story with memorable characters. Lowell offsets the unbelivable aspects of the characters with human weakness that added to the depth of the characters. I must admit I did think Amber needed more backbone to stand on her own opposite the character of Duncan, but its just my opinion. I particularly liked how she incorporated the characters from Untamed but did so without loosing readers that may not have read Untamed first. I also think Lowell could have her best book yet with the story of Erik. I'm hoping she made his character so intriguing for the same reason she mad Duncan intriguing in Untamed!

Outstanding! This was one of the best romance novels that I have ever read. The characters were interesting and appealing; the story was original and creative. The heroine is Amber the Untouched, so named because of her special affinity to amber -- all things amber belong to her -- and because of her special ability to feel the emotions of others by touching them. Lowell thoroughly explores both the advantages and the drawbacks of such an ability. The hero, Duncan of Maxwell, the Scots Hammer (his name is charming and lyrical, like much of the writing in this book) is the perfect combination of strength and sensitivity. The amber prophecy, the revelation that attended Amber's birth, defines the cosmology of the book. As a lover of fantasy, I was totally captivated by it! Amber and Duncan's story is gracefully and beautifully told.Like everyone else, I can't wait for Erik's story!