The Warrior

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques How is a star-crossed pair of lovers supposed to overcome lifetimes of bad decisions? Michael "the Hawk" Lammergeier has returned to his ancestral home of Inverfyre Scotland to reclaim what was lost. When his mother's home was stolen by the rival MacLarens, she swore it would one day return to their hands. Eighteen years later, she has given the seal to the Hawk. So long disputed, he must win the lands back from its assorted holders, by sword and by cunning. Aileen Arquhart of Abernye knew there was something threatening about the Hawk when he appeared unannounced at her father's home, yet she couldn't say why. Despite her wariness, she is drawn to him nonetheless. When he steals a passionate kiss and visions explode in her mind, she wonders at his seeming sorcery. Hawk just had to have Aileen, no matter what, from the moment he first saw her. Kidnapping may not be the best way to win the lass' heart, but he chances it all the same. Though he adamantly denies it when she reveals their destiny, he feels the familiarity of a long time love. These two have been together over numerous lifetimes, but are they strong enough to break the curse begun by Hawk's ancestor Magnus Armstrong and his ladylove Anna, previous incarnations of Hawk and Aileen's souls? They must set thing aright in this lifetime if they ever hope to be happy now... or in future lives. I admit to being a little wary beginning The Warrior just because the last couple books I had read by the author left me unimpressed. I liked the premise of this story though and it was enough to convince me to give Delacroix another go. I am happy to say I was pleasantly surprised. I loved the reincarnation theme used here to progress the story. We learned so much about past events through the eyes of Magnus and Anna, as Eileen relives Anna's experiences through her visions. This gave added depth to the story. I also found it appealing that events initiating the curse and those ending it, all happen to the same couple, just in different lifetimes. This plot device is not a new one, but it works especially well in The Warrior. Hawk is doubtful of the stories Aileen reveals to him, unwilling to believe the unbelievable. As time goes on and circumstances change, he slowly comes to the realization that what she says is true. Their bond is strong, cemented over many years and lives and this proves to be very important to breaking the curse. Lessons learned stay with them until they finally grasp heir significance. In short, if you are looking for a gripping story of love lost and found through reincarnation, with enough action and adventure to keep you reading in to the night, then The Warrior by Claire Delacroix is a must-read. © Kelley A. Hartsell, December 2006. All rights reserved.

It's 1390 and Michael Lammergeir's quest has begun. He is destined to reclaim Clan property seized long ago. Upon arriving at the Inverfyre forest, Michael and his group cross the path of an Adaira, an old woman haunting the forest. Adaira mystically shares the past and the future with Michael, warning him of two souls doomed to passion and betrayal in every life. Nineteen years later, Aileen finds herself the subject of her father's notorious guest, Michael the Hawk, known to have killed many in the recapture of Inverfyre. Fearless and uncommon in her manner, Aileen intrigues Michael. Their first kiss mystically reveals more than either are ready for, and the temptation is too great for Michael. Like a hawk, he takes to the night with Aileen. _The Warrior_ is one of your better romances. Readers can expect an absorbing tale that isn't weighed down with superfluous characters or facts. Delacroix focuses on the main and secondary characters important to the storyline. Don't get me wrong, the historical features of the storyline are well executed -- goodness knows, Delacroix is known for her medieval romances -- but it's the characters that breathe life into _The Warrior_ and make the reader care. _The Warrior_ maybe the last of a trilogy, but it reads as a stand alone romance. Everything the reader needs to make the story complete is here. If you like to read your trilogies in order, then purchase the _The Rogue_ and _The Scoundrel_.

Loved every speck of this book - from the sweet way Michael tries so hard to forget his own "visions"... to the strength of Aileen with her bow. Wonderful and can't wait to read more of this delightful family!

In 1390 Michael Lammergeier returns to Inverfyre, Scotland to fulfill what he believes is his destiny as the Laird, but an ancient crone stops him insisting he is the descendent of Magnus Armstrong, but he is also Magnus Armstrong. She kisses Michael, opening his mind to their past love seven generations back. However, a member of his party kills the crone. Just before she dies she tells him that she loves him and will return, but debts must be paid.In 1409, Michael now known as the Hawk of Inverfyre needs a bride. He chooses Aileen of Aberyne because his soul firmly believes she is his eternal true love. However, doubts linger about who Aileen is loyal to so though he tricks her into marriage and though he loves her deeply, he does not trust her. He wonders if she will help him fix previous wrongs or sell him and Inverfyre to his enemies; she struggles with her love for her enigmatic mate who she would trust with her life, even though he holds himself back from her.With a pinch of mysticism, THE WARRIOR, the final book of the Ravensmuir trilogy, is a delightful Scottish medieval romance. The intrigue of the fifteenth century comes alive, but also cleverly blends into a charming forever love subplot. The son of the book's two heroes (see THE SCOUNDREL) Michael is a captivating character struggling between love and uncertainty while Aileen is the ideal complement to his "split personality". Historical romance readers will enjoy this fabulous novel that provides a terrific end to a strong series.Harriet Klausner

Setting - Scotland - 1409 --- When the young Michael Lammergeier, son of Gawain Lammergeier and Eglantine Armstrong, and more importantly the seventh son born in succession of Magnus Armstrong came to claim his inheritance he was met in the forest by an aged crone, Adaira. Taunting him and then in a most unorthodox manner she embraced and kissed him showing him visions of another time and the love of a woman whom he would forever compare memories to any future damsels he would meet. Nineteen years later, having heard of the daughter Aileen of the Lord of Abernye, older and unwed, Michael, now notoriously known as the `Hawk' upon spying her was struck with the knowledge that she was `known' to him. Aileen having no illusions of her `plainness' only sensed how disturbing it was to have this man so intently staring at her. Arranging to have her show him her father's keep, they shared a kiss that evoked visions to Aileen's mind that frightened yet were not altogether unpleasant to her. That very night, the Hawk - man of action, managed to drug the people in the keep, grabbed Aileen from her pallet, then coerced the priest to wed them that very night. Not a romantic courtship but effective in establishing a sense of betrayal on the part of Aileen. It would take a lot of work for both of them to realize that they were indeed `soulmates' and had found each other again for one more chance to 'get it right' in this -- a most wonderful tale of medieval adventure of love, betrayals, and madness.Reading this book initiated a search for more of this author's novels. I was totally enthralled with the romance aspect of the story, the magnificent imagery and the cleverness of the plot. The battle of the sexes was spicy enough and very enjoyable with very intelligent dialogs. While this is part of a series, I in no way felt lost in trying to figure out what was going on - rather, I will find myself eagerly looking for the prequels to this as I found it to be an amazing saga. This was a fabulous read, exciting and sensually delightful! --- Submitted by Marilyn, Official Reviewer for www.historicromancewriters.com