Review of Donna Grant's IRON EMBER

 

Elodie MacLean reluctantly returns to Skye. She plans to fix up her childhood home to sell and then leave again. However, the place dredges up dark and painful memories. Something sinister is killing druids, and Elodie is their next target. Her secret, the one she wants no one else to know about, makes her vulnerable to their attacks. Can Elodie overcome the ghosts of the past? Will she figure out who is behind the druid killings?

Scott Ryan is a Druid from Edinburgh, Scotland. He has a two-part mission: the first to find out who is killing Druids, and the second to convince Elodie to join his organization. Scott never expected to be captivated by the woman and the island of Skye. Something about Elodie makes him want to protect her from mysterious threats. Can Scott help Elodie face her terrible past? Or will his association with his organization elicit distrust?

I admire Elodie’s inner strength. It had to be difficult to return to a place that harbors such devastating memories. Elodie even faced the hostility of people she had wronged years ago. She knew the only person in the wrong as herself, that there was no excuse for her past actions.

I just want to say – I am so happy that we finally get a male Druid as the main hero. It is a nice change of pace from the usual Fae, Dragon King, and Warrior type.

It did take me a while to warm up to Scott. I like that he did not want to use his charming ability with Elodie. I admire Scott’s decision not to use his charm or magical ability with Elodie. He knew she was still trying to cope with her childhood trauma, and he did not want to add any more emotional baggage. What I liked the most about Scott is how he tried to help Elodie overcome her trauma. He genuinely wanted to help her come to grips with everything.

IRON EMBER is the first book in Donna Grant’s paranormal romance series, SKYE DRUIDS. This is another spin-off from her DARK SWORD/DARK WARRIOR, DARK KINGS/DRAGON KINGS, and REAPER world. DARK ALPHA’S COMMAND, book fifteen in the REAPER books, is a prequel and introduction to the new series.

IRON EMBER can standalone, but I highly recommend reading the other series to understand all that has led up to the current events of the world. Ulrik and Eliliah (from TORCHED – book thirteen in the DARK KINGS series) and Broc and Sonya (from DARKEST HIGHLANDER – book six in the DARK SWORD series) play a vital role in the story. It is great re-visiting with these characters from the other series again!

Trigger warnings: abuse