Death magic is spreading across the world and it’s time for the return of the Immortals…

Christine Lachlan is water witch and an artist who has joined the Coven of Light, a force against the evil sweeping across the land. She must seek out Kalen, one of the five goddess-born Immortals, who has long been in hiding from the modern world. She will do whatever it takes to convince Kalen to assist them in defeating the force behind this evil, Kalen’s own brother, the youngest Immortal, Tain.

Kalen has long since withdrawn from the world after a grave act on his part that will condemn him should he ever lose control again. Now his solace is his art, or it would be if he could only grasp the talent he once had. Even taking a leannan-Sidhe muse to his bed does not help him master his talent. When Christine enters his world, insisting he is needed to go to war, his art suddenly takes new form and his talent soars once more.

Kalen will do almost anything to keep Christine at his side as his muse. If only it were that easy. His former lover is vindictive and will do anything to get rid of Christine so she can steal Kalen’s power. Kalen refuses to pick up his spear once again and cannot reveal his dark secret to Christine. Can these two reluctant lovers come together in time to defeat the newest and most pressing danger and accept The Awakening?

I love the whole premise of the Immortals series and have been eagerly anticipating the series since I first heard about it. The third book, The Awakening by Joy Nash is the first I’ve read and let me tell you this story packs a magical punch! What we have here is a compelling combination of loveable characters, a strong storyline, old secrets, and more magic then you can shake a spear at. Even not having read the books in order did not affect my enjoyment of this story. Yes there is an underlying story that arcs through the entire series but each one stands alone as well and I loved reading about Kalen and Christine. Joy Nash gives enough back story to fill in the blanks so I don’t feel like I missed anything crucial.

Christine’s gift is enhanced by water but is still not as strong as many others in her coven. This is partially due to a tragedy in her recent past that has scarred her emotionally and magically, making it harder for her to maintain her faith in her powers. But she tries very hard to overcome past events and focus on her current mission… finding Kalen and convincing him to aid the Coven of Light in defeating Death Magic. Kalen is weary of life in these modern times, preferring to live without all the modern benefits technology provides. He also suffers in his own private hell over events in his past which, if he isn’t careful, can condemn him once more. When these two tortured souls come together, nothing can keep them apart, even the very embodiment of greatest evil.

The secondary cast of characters also makes an imprint on the story. From the beautifully seductive but vindictive and cruel Leanna to loveable teenaged (or is he really?) Mac, gruff and odd-looking but kind housekeeper Pearl to a whole passel of brownie servants. And these are just a few of the assorted magical creatures we encounter on the adventure of The Awakening.

In short, Joy Nash has written another beautifully told story of love and magic. You will not be disappointed. I can promise you that!

© Kelley A. Hartsell, June 2007. All rights reserved.