Today I’m pimping an author you may never have heard of. I adore her books, and I think y’all should have a chance to love them too.
So let’s talk about…
Moira J. Moore
The first book in her series is RESENTING THE HERO, then it’s THE HERO STRIKES BACK, and finally, HEROES ADRIFT. I’ll give you a little background.
Don’t let the covers and titles fool you. These are excellent fantasy novels with some sturdy, inventive world-building. The world’s weather is totally unstable, and only the existence of “bonded pairs” make it possible for human beings to survive. Bonded pairs consist of a Source (the one who channels the cataclysmic events and sort of controls the damage they do) and a Shield (who protects the mind of the channeler). They have a symbiotic relationship, and they occupy a special rank in the social hierarchy. They’re not allowed to own things, but they don’t pay for goods and taxes either. They go through years of specialized training before being bonded and going to work for the Triple S.
These books tell the story of Dunleavy (Lee) Mallorough and Lord Shintaro (Taro) Karish. Lee is stolid and emotionless, even for a Shield. Taro is a nobleman, which means he’s rare among the pairs. He’s handsome, charming, and everybody loves him. Except Lee. But she doesn’t know him. She just takes an instant dislike to him because he’s beautiful and popular. She decides he’s shallow and obnoxious, and she is stricken when they attend the bonding ceremony, and he is, of course, her destined Source.
The bonded pair relationship isn’t supposed to be a romantic one, but we can tell right away that there are forbidden sparks between Taro and Lee. He isn’t used to anyone treating him as Lee does. She isn’t taken in by the empty smiles he tosses out, preventing anyone from ever getting to know the real Taro.
Their relationship flowers in soft, delicate little steps. Ms. Moore’s writing is lovely and engaging. I would say these books are definitely character-driven, but there’s some nice adventure in there as well. Which is funny because Lee is so anti-adventure. She just wants to do her job and have a nice, quiet life. Being partnered with Taro means she’ll be pushed outside her comfort zone (which is really narrow!) time and again.
I adore Taro and Lee. For all his beauty, he needs someone who knows him and -still- loves him. Acceptance and belonging is what he craves above all else. Taro is one of my favorite fantasy heroes of all time. By turns charming, petulant, passionate and tender, he delights me. With her wry and sometimes wrongheaded stubbornness, Lee makes a fabulous foil for him.
If you haven’t read this series, you really should. It’s such a treat; you’ll want to read all the books in one go. Well, now I’m giving you a chance to do that. I’ll send this series to you via Amazon, so toss your name in the hat in comments, and I’ll announce the winner next Friday. I’ll be on vacation until then. Good luck!
Thanks for the recommendation, Ann. Hadn’t heard of her before, went over to Amazon to read some, and think I’d enjoy this series. One more for the evergrowing booklist.
by Pam P March 20th, 2008 at 12:21 pmHave a GREAT week off, Ann!
*whisper* I know where you’re going and I know what you’re doing *evil cackle*
*ahem*
These books sound really good, thank you for the recommendation.
by azteclady March 20th, 2008 at 12:47 pmSounds like an interesting series! Thanks for the recommendation!!
by Katie March 20th, 2008 at 12:48 pmThis series sounds just up my alley. Thanks so much for highlighting it!
by MaryKate March 20th, 2008 at 12:55 pmShe’s a new to me author but her books sound like something I would enjoy. Thanks for the heads up and hope you had a nice vacation.
by catslady March 20th, 2008 at 1:43 pmYou’re right, I’ve never heard of her but her books do sound very interesting and I’m always looking for new authors to read so thanks, Ann!
Have a fabulous vacation!
by wendy March 20th, 2008 at 2:20 pmI enjoy romantic fantasy, and it’s always cool to learn about a new series!
by Kimberly B. March 20th, 2008 at 3:12 pmI’m always looking for new authors and series to read. These sound great! Enjoy your vacation.
by Teresa W. March 20th, 2008 at 3:12 pmSweet! This series sounds really fun. I’m getting a kick out of the cover art.
by LiJuun March 20th, 2008 at 3:51 pmThere’s a third out? Awesome! I’ve read the first two, but hadn’t realized the third was out. Thanks. Enjoy your vacation.
by Ann March 20th, 2008 at 8:04 pmYep, love her books…saw the third at B&N this weekend..her stuff is solid and fun to read….Peace.
by JaimeK March 20th, 2008 at 8:31 pmnever heard of her but they sounds interesting. Thanks for the recommendation.
by Pamk March 20th, 2008 at 8:45 pmWow - these books sound very interesting. I’ll have to look into them. Moira J. Moore is a “new to me” author. Thanks for sharing, Ann and enjoy your vacation!
by limecello March 20th, 2008 at 8:51 pmSounds interesting and original. Always glad to add to my ever growing list. BTW, Happy Easter everybody, or Happy Spring, if you prefer.
by Janet H March 21st, 2008 at 6:41 amOkay seriously Amazon didn’t tell me I bought book 3 that flipping sucks. Damn now I have to go back and buy 1 and 2.
by Sarai March 21st, 2008 at 9:27 amYou’ve sold me on them. Toss my name in the hat. Thanks and have a great vacation!
by Angie March 21st, 2008 at 9:37 amI enjoy SF&F that can successfully describe an alternate world and an alien culture while using that world and culture to enable us to take a closer look at our own. Thanks for the recommendation, these will be going on my shopping list.
by Patrick March 21st, 2008 at 11:46 amSounds like a great series. I love a really well done fantasy series. Will have to add these to my wishlist. Thanks for the chance to win a set.
by Cherie J March 21st, 2008 at 1:38 pm[...] I’m running in absentia. I’ll wrap it up and announce the winner when I get back. Check my blog, if you like romantic fantasy. Moira J. Moore is awesome. My agent bought me book two as a gift while we were book shopping [...]
by Odds and ends / The Bradford Bunch March 23rd, 2008 at 10:23 am
I have never heard of this author before. That is why i visit blogs to learn about new author. This series sound really interesting. I would love to read it. I have went to amazon and checked it out. I would love it I think.
by Virginia H. March 23rd, 2008 at 1:42 pmFunny, I just sent a mail to Moira J. Moore telling her how much I enjoy her novels :). And then I went to your webpage to tell you the same, since I just finished reading “Grimspace” and absolutely loved it! Really looking forward to “Wanderlust”!
by Anna March 23rd, 2008 at 3:49 pmThis sounds like a great series. I’m always looking for something new and different to read. I’m really going to have to check this out. Thanks!
by Nicole Price March 23rd, 2008 at 8:47 pmSounds like a great series. Count me in please.
by Crystal B. March 24th, 2008 at 8:45 amOK, I’ve never heard of this author before. The books sound like they would be fun to read. Please include me in the drawing.
Have a relaxing, enjoyable vacation.
by Karen B. March 24th, 2008 at 3:21 pmMy husband would really appreciate it if I won the drawing. I think he’s about to ban me from the bookstore…
So, here’s me tossing my name into the raffle. :-)
by Sandy March 24th, 2008 at 7:34 pmWow, this sounds really fantastic. IT MUST BE MINE!
*runs off to add it to amazon wishlist*
by Ocy March 25th, 2008 at 1:44 amI actually found you through a link on her lj - I love the books, well OK, I love the one I’ve read so far! Would love to win the series :)
Hope you’ve had a fab vacation, just back from a family trip myself.
by jax March 25th, 2008 at 4:00 pmI’d love to be included please
by Jeanette Jackson March 25th, 2008 at 7:08 pmwow would i ever love the chance!!!! that would be awesome!! looks like a amazing series
by tina brunelle March 26th, 2008 at 12:58 pmThanks so much for entering!
Anna, I’m so happy you enjoyed Grimspace.