Caffeinated Reviewer | A Sorceress of His Own by Dianne Duvall (2024)

27^th Oct

Since the day Lord Dillon earned his spurs, rumors of his savagery on the battlefield have preceded him into every room, stilling tongues and sparking fear. Weary of battle, he wishes only to find a woman he can wed who will approach him not with fear, but with the tenderness that has been absent from his life for so long. Yet only the wisewoman seems invariably at ease in his presence. For seven years, Alyssa has been by Lord Dillon's side-counseling him from the shadows, healing him, and staving off the worst of his loneliness. Blessed-or cursed-with gifts that label her a sorceress, she is forced to conceal her youth and the love she harbors for him, leading Dillon and his people to believe she is the same wisewoman who served his father. All is revealed, however, and passions flare when an enemy threatens Dillon's life and Alyssa sacrifices everything to save him. When Dillon discovers that the wisewoman is far from elderly, he is instantly entranced. And, as he and Alyssa work together to defeat an enemy bent on destroying them both, Dillon will risk anything-even the wrath of his king-to be with her.

“A few hours in my arms and you believe yourself capable of sorcery. Mayhap wizardry does course through my veins.”

I absolutely love Dianne Duvall’s Immortal Guardians series and when the chance to review her Gifted Ones series presented itself, I confess I was downright giddy. I devoured the first one, A Sorceress of His Own and fell in love with its characters from our couple to the lowliest of grooms.

Fans of the Immortal Guardians will love that we are getting a prequel of sorts with the Gifted Ones, but fear not, these work on their own, and although some characters like Seth, Marcus and Roland make appearances, there are no spoilers.

A Sorceress of His Own takes us to 1198 England and the keep of Lord Dillon, Earl of Wescott. Feared by many and respected by all, Dillon is a fierce warrior, defender of the crown, and a fair lord. His chief advisor and resident healer is the “Wisewoman.” Cloaked in dark robes, no one has seen her face. Others perceive her an old woman whom some believe is immortal. She served both his father and grandfather.

There is much Dillon does not know about his Wisewoman. At the age of sixteen, Alyssa took over the role of Wisewoman from her grandmother when Dillon came into power. Alyssa has had a crush on Dillon since she first laid eyes on him and witnesses a kindness. He knows her only as an old woman since she alters her voice and uses magic to conceal her youthful hands. She is both a healer and a seer.

I enjoyed the story that unfolded and the period is such a dangerous time for someone like Alyssa. Duvall creates characters that I instantly connect with and pulled me into their romance giving me all the feels, swoons, and giggles I could ask for.

I loved how fierce, stubborn and yet caring Alyssa was. She readily makes sacrifices for others and yet denies herself. I loved her transformation throughout the story and the way in which her relationship changed with Dillon’s men and with those in the keep.

Dillon is all warrior, and yet in his chambers, he reveals a gentler side. He cares for his people, wants someone strong by his side. He enjoys pillow talk and places value in others opinions. He is protective and dominant without being overly possessive.

The romance was completely swoon-worthy and unrushed. Duvall slowly allowed their relationship to develop, giving us tender moments, moments of discovery and yes-unbridled passion. I loved the teaser, banter, moments of misunderstandings and resolutions. There are SO MANY awesome quotes filled with snark and humor I wanted to share with you but think you should discover them on your own.

Politics, betrayals, battles, and mortal wounds surrounded the romance giving us a sense of this world, government, and climate. The story was addictive as Dillon and his soldiers faced nemesis. Alyssa had visions of danger to come. We faced twists, turns, and unknowns that placed our hero and heroine in peril.

Duvall is a masterful storyteller who fleshes out her worlds and gives depth to her characters. Even her secondary characters are memorable. I loved the thread about the gifted ones and loved that Seth (from Immortal Guardians) has been protecting gifted ones all of this time.

Kristen Potter narrated, and she was perfect for this tale. This was my first experience with Potter, but I must confess it will not be my last. Her voices, tones, and accents were spot on creating another layer to an already brilliant tale.

Aside from having a new book boyfriend, (that is right ladies Dillon is mine), A Sorceress of His Own earned a place on my favorite romance and audio shelves. I would venture to say that even those who shy away from historical would love this tale. Fans of the Immortal Guardians are in for a treat, and for those new to Duvall I imagine you will be lining your bookshelves with her books/audios.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Related Posts