Mystic Warrior: A Mystic Isle Novel

Another great Patricia Rice book that's hard to put down. As always you look forward to the next book!

Raised from birth to become the next Oracle--the spiritual leader of her people--Lissandra Olympus had been taught to be haughty, to obey the will of the gods, and to sacrifice her life, desires, and independence for the welfare of everyone on the Mystic Isle of Aelynn. When Lissandra's mother, the Oracle, dies, the gods do not choose Lissandra as her successor, however. Instead they give her a vision of whom they select: Murdoch LeDroit, the man who killed Lissandra's father with his uncontrolled magic and who'd been banished from Aelynn for his crime and dangerous powers. Lissandra must leave the Mystic Isle for the first time and venture to France to do the unthinkable: find the missing Chalice of Plenty (that has eluded the most talented of her people) and persuade Murdoch that only he can prevent Aelynn from being destroyed by its smoldering volcano. Lissandra walks headlong and headstrong into the aftermath of the French Revolution (year 1793), where anyone without appropriate papers could be jailed and beheaded without trial and anyone remotely healthy and strong could be conscripted to fight in the war with Austria. And where one of their people is conspiring against her. Worse, Murdoch doesn't want to be found, nor does he want to be Oracle. He doesn't even believe in the gods. Ravaged by guilt for killing Lissandra's father, Murdoch abandoned his chance to be Lissandra's husband long ago. Even now, the only way he can focus his power is through aggression, channeling his magic through his swords. Containing his power could kill him, but releasing his power could destroy Lissandra and the whole island of Aelynn. Better he stay far away from both. Rice weaves a delightful and compelling love story around a self-sacrificing heroine discovering she is not meant to be a leader and an isolated and independent hero who discovers he is. Lissandra and Murdoch verbally, psychologically, and romantically spar through the French countryside and into England during a beautifully detailed, unpredictable era where their friends are just people who haven't been forced to betray them yet. Mystic Warrior is the third book in the Mystic Isle trilogy, continuing where Mystic Guardian (July '07, Signet Eclipse) and Mystic Rider (July '08, Signet Eclipse) left off. Followers of the series get to revisit the beloved heroes and heroines from previous books to see how they are fairing. Readers new to the series will be introduced to wonderful characters and a strong story that will entice them to track down the previous Mystic Isle books to find out where Rice's brilliantly imaginative trilogy began before reaching its happily ever after. Review by: Regan L.

Four years ago warrior Murdoch Le Droit was banished from her home, the Mystic Isle of Aelynn. Now with the death of the island's leader, the gods announce that Murdoch is their chosen oracle. However, no one knows where Murdoch is. The spirit guide to healer Lissandra Olympus persuades her to find Murdoch and bring him home and to seek the mysterious missing Chalice of Plenty; both are needed to save the Island. Lissandra locates Murdoch, but is shocked when he rejects her plea to come home as he is needed as the new oracle; which he also scoffs at because the Gods would never select an exiled warrior who has no control over his paranormal skills. He also knows he still desires Lissandra as he did before he was kicked off Aelynn. She also realizes why her spirit guide told her to venture forth as she must heal his spirit in order for him to accept what has been predestined by the gods. Her skills may not be as powerful as her love. As the "Mystic" saga goes full circle (see MYSTIC GUARDIAN and MYSTIC RIDER), Patricia Rice does so with a great entry. While the mortals are overwhelmed by the French Revolution, the Isle of Aelynn is in deep trouble with the savior being the person exiled several years ago who wants nothing to do with his homeland. Fans will relish this super romantic fantasy as Lissandra learns how to heal Murdoch comes from her heart not her skill. Harriet Klausner