26. The Wizard’s Ward by Deborah Hale
The framework for this story is the standard “chosen one” plot. The sheltered Innocent, the wizened Mentor, the Rogue With a Heart of Gold. But this book is still a page-turner.
Maura Woodbury has been raised by the wizard Langbard. He has taught her the old ways - magic, healing, herb lore and the original Umbrian language. He has taught her the legend of the Waiting King and his Destined Queen.
Out gathering herbs one day, she meets an outlaw called Rath Talward. Langbard insists that Rath accompany them as a guard on their journey south. They must meet up with a woman who has vital information to the location of the Waiting King. He is needed to end the tyrrany of the Han, who invaded the kindom years ago. The Han have divided the people from their heritage; the children are growing up without knowledge of their own history, culture or even their own language. Many are homeless. The people are subverted under the rule of the Han, whose core belief is that only the strong deserve to survive - any who are ill, injured or otherwise weak are unworthy of existance.
Within the “chosen one” framework are plenty of elements to keep the pages turning. And while there is a romantic subplot, this author knows to take the time needed to build a believable relationship between the characters.They don’t simply meet, then fight, then succumb to lust - as in so many “romances” these days. Instead, they see each other through many rough patches (which are kind of unavoidable when you’re out to save the world). This gives them time to know each other as people first and to build a friendship with mutual respect. More authors should understand this concept better.
Next: The Book Stops Here by Kate Carlisle
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