Reader and Raelynx (The Twelve Houses #4)

Reader and Raelynx (2007) is the fourth fantasy novel in the Twelve Houses series, following Dark Moon Defender. In the previous volume, Ellynor Alowa escaped the convent of the Daughters of the Pale Mother and returned to the Lirrenlands with Justin. There he was tested by her family and found worthy. Then they were married. In this novel, King Baryn decides that his heir -- Princess Amalie -- should marry. Maybe the marlords will be so enthused with the idea of marrying into the royal family that chances for war would be reduced. Suitors are coming to visit her from all the Twelve Houses, some of which were probably going to be on the other side in the coming civil war. Cammon senses an assassin and, with the help of Senneth and Tayse, catches him before he can reach the king. Then he does it again in a regal audience. King Baryn is so impressed that Cammon is asked to guard and advise Princess Amalie. Cammon is given a room in the palace, new and better clothes, and is kept close to the princess whenever she is exposed to the suitors and other outsiders. Jerril continues to train Cammon in Reader skills. Although Cammon is the most talented Reader known to Jerril, he still doesn't know every skill in the repertoire. Besides, Jerril hopes that Cammon also will discover new skills, particularly in the Reading of foreigners. Milo -- the king's steward -- decides that Cammon is one of the servants and thus under his charge. After Cammon stays away for a few days upon Milo's instructions, Amalie becomes mad at him and demands to know where he has been. Then she makes it clear that she will decide when Cammon is required. Justin and Ellynor are returning to Ghosenhall from the Lirrenlands. Naturally Cammon knows that they are coming and tells Senneth and Tayse of their proximity. The King's Riders plan a charivari to welcome them back. Cammon visits the raelynx fairly often. He knows that Queen Valri is visiting the animal, but then he discovers that Amalie is also viewing the deadly beast. He tries to tell her to be careful, but she unlocks the gate and enters the area where the raelynx is being held. Cammon is terribly afraid for her, but she has as much control over the animal as does Queen Valri. In this story, Cammon and Amalie become close friends. Cammon tells her about his footloose life and Amalie tells him about her lack of friends. After Milo is put in his place, Cammon is close to Amalie for every public occasion and often just for friendly conversation. Senneth and Queen Valri talk to Cammon about the position of Amalie in the kingdom. Cammon doesn't quite agree about some things, but does try to be more formal. Amalie gets very angry about that behavior. This story finally shows the start of the civil war between the Houses. Halcon Gisseltest and the other rebel leaders hire foreign mercenaries and the Gillengarian Mystics find their powers are mostly ineffectual against these troops. Even Senneth finds

i read 13th house first and loved it so much that i went back and bought all the others. reader and raelynx is the 4th in the series and it features cammon and the princess amalie. their relationship develops and so does the mystery of mystics. all 4 of the books are very well written and move smoothly and quickly. i have read all 4 books twice now and will probably read all 4 several more times. i can hardly wait for the next in the series.Mystic and Rider (The Twelve Houses, Book 1)The Thirteenth House (The Twelve Houses, Book 2)Dark Moon Defender (The Twelve Houses, Book 3)Reader and Raelynx (The Twelve Houses, Book 4)

This book has everything you need: Battle scene action, forbidden love, Romance, Mystery, Fantasy, Magic,etc.... Wonderful Read!

I'm a huge fan of hers, and this book does not disappoint. Although I do like the first 2 in the series better, this one is more in depth, and it carries on the stories of the other characters as well. There will be another after this one, about Wen! She is a rider and we'll see how her story goes!!

This is a great ending to the mystic and rider series. You can still tell that Senneth is really whom the story revolves around in this one and probably that Ms. Shinn holds a special place in her heart for Senneth. Cammon's love story is really quite sweet and fun to read. I recommend anyone that is a fan of this series to go out and buy this book!