Veena’s review of Of Shadows and Ash (Maggie’s Grove, Book 3) by Dana Marie Bell
Paranormal Romance published by Carina Press 13 Oct 14
When I first read about this series, I wasn’t too sure if it was my cup of tea, but now three deep I have to admit that I am enjoying the way the series is unfolding and feel this story might be the best book in this series so far. Each book continues to build upon the previous, introducing us to more characters in the town. It’s almost like moving into a new neighborhood and then slowly meeting and making new friends on the block. Of course, there’s plenty of excitement since the town is recovering from an attack that has left various townspeople still paralyzed and sick. I know it’s all building to an eventual crescendo, and I absolutely can’t wait to get there.
This is Ash and Selena’s story. Ash is a dryad and a protector of the forest, so it absolutely burns him that his mate, Serena, who is a witch doctor, is still suffering from kidnap and torture by a group that purports to hate supernatural creatures. I love how the story develops as Ash moves into Selena’s home and then proceeds to do what he needs to do to protect and save his mate.
There is a fair amount of mystery and excitement around what is infecting Selena. As Ash and the town’s elders, whom he calls for help, work to unravel the threads and figure out how to cure Selena, I read with bated breath. I like how the author mixes witchcraft (the good kind, even when wielded by a black witch), vampires, ghosts, were and whatever else you can think of in her large cast of supporting characters.
Ms. Bell does a great job in using her imagination with the mating ceremonies of a dryad. All I can tell you is that the tree definitely factors into the whole equation, but you’ll have to read the story to find out more. It’s clear that while the town might have cured Selena and fixed her magic, they’ve definitely got a long way to go and I’m guessing a lot of books still to come in order to get face to face with the villain who’s targeting their town.
I can’t wait for the stories to follow, especially Ivana and Noah and Greer and Mollie, who are already teed up and ready.
Grade: A
Summary:
Overprotective dryad Ashton Ward is pissed off. His mate Selena has been tortured by humans who hunt supernaturals, and she’s flat-out refusing to let him near her as she heals. Her magic is so compromised that just being near her puts him in danger, but he’s sure he can help ease her pain if she’ll just let him.
To keep Ash safe, witch doctor Selena Giannone wants to handle the fallout from her nightmare alone. But she might be dealing with more than the agonizing loss of her powers—something’s haunting her house so badly the land itself is afraid. A demon so powerful nothing in Maggie’s grove can tame it alone.
Terrified, exhausted and out of options, Selena turns to Ash for help. The enemy needs two things to feed: Selena’s powers, yes, but also it needs her fear. And if there’s a magic that can save her, it lies with Ash—with his touch, and with their bond.
Other books in this series:
