Eternity

Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Story about a Persecuted White Witch
Review: ETERNITY is an engaging story about an immortal white witch, Raven, who was born in Puritan times and is persecuted repeatedly by "moral" folk. The man who loves her, a young preacher named Duncan, dies to save her. While she waits for Duncan to be reborn (300 years later), Raven is pursued by a dark witch who can only gain immortality by stealing the heart of a white witch.

ETERNITY deals with the horror of witch trials and the murder of innocent women, so don't expect a light-hearted story. Though well written and engrossing, it does tend to be a bit melodramatic at times, especially with the foreshadowing and declarations of love. Still, I liked it very much, from its first-person narrative (different for a romance novel) to its lovely descriptions of how Raven uses her magic powers. There are no cheesy jokes or banter, no overblown action scenes, and no vulgar love scenes - in other words, a breath of fresh air among the many (unrealistic) paranormal romances out there.

ETERNITY is the first in a series. I'm definitely going to read the next book!!!


Rating:
Summary: Gripping and wonderful!!!!
Review: I am not one to read anything that has any romance in it. My sister recommended this book and I was very surprised! It would be a book I would love to read over and over again!

Rating:
Summary: Not as original or well-written as I had hoped.
Review: I had just read At Twilight and was pleasantly surprised. The Twilight series is Maggie Shayne's chronicle of vampires, and it was a fun, interesting read. Eternity was the next book of Shayne's that I picked up, and I was disappointed, especially after reading the rave reviews here. I opened this book ready to like it, but found myself putting it down to go do other things, like laundry--this tells you how gripped I was by the story. The premise of Immortal High Witches could have been intriguing, but instead the author seems to borrow almost directly from the Highlander movies and television series (Adrian Paul, yum!)with some slight modifications to the details (heart taken instead of head). But that wasn't all--I found the writing to be, well, downright insipid. This book reminded me of Barbara Cartland, an author loved by many, whom I cannot read without rolling my eyes and snorting in derision. I'm going to give Maggie Shayne another try, but I will be going to the library, instead of spending my money on any more of her work, just in case.

Rating:
Summary: A Hauntingly Beautiful Romance!
Review: "Eternity" by Maggie Shayne is a truly wonderful read. The love story is poignant and heart-rending, and is mixed with danger and suspense. Even those who are not usually inclined to like stories about witches will enjoy this book, as Shayne depicts the characters in a believable and realistic manner. This book combines romance with "magick" perfectly, creating a delightful tale of fantasy and true love!
Raven St. James is an Immortal High Witch, living in times where being a witch is incredibly dangerous. Raven learns this lesson all too well, when she and her treasured mother are hung for the crime of witchcraft. One man, Duncan Wallace, tries to stop the execution, and an unbreakable bond between Raven and Duncan is formed in those few minutes of horror. When Raven revives beside her dead mother, she is overcome by grief, but follows her mother's instructions and travels to the New World to start a new life.
However, danger awaits her at every turn, because there are Immortal Dark Witches as well, who survive by taking the hearts from Light Witches such as Raven. Indeed, Raven's heart is a powerful one, and there is one evil Dark one who desires her heart above all else.
Raven arrives in the township of Sanctuary, where she begins a life with her Aunt Eleanor. But she is never able to forget the brave and noble man who tried to save her that day on the gallows. It isn't long before suspicions arise about Raven again, and she realizes she may once again be forced from her home. But everything changes one day when a new minister arrives, whose name is none other than Duncan Wallace.
Raven and Duncan's friendship blooms into a beautiful romance, full of exquisite tenderness and a love so deep it negates all else. But when the town's mistrust reaches a boiling point, Raven's happiness is destroyed as Duncan dies trying to save her.
All Raven has left in the world is her dear friend Arianna, another Immortal High Witch, who forces Raven to carry on, promising her that Duncan will return to her one day in another life. And after three centuries of loneliness and longing, Raven finally finds her beloved Duncan. And though Duncan's mind does not remember Raven at first, she knows that his heart could never forget the love they shared.
But before they can find happiness and love in each other's arms, Raven must defeat her lifelong enemy, who once again has tracked her down and is out for her heart. The suspense builds effectively to a thrilling climax, and the ultimate battle between good and evil.
"Eternity" is a book that will touch your heart. Personally, I found it hard to read at times because of the cruelty that was directed towards Raven when she was suspected of witchcraft. However, this only served to make me turn the pages even faster, until I found a resolution for Raven. I have no doubt that readers will come to care for Raven as much as I did. Indeed, with characters that make readers love them and a storyline that will keep readers enthralled, "Eternity" is a book that won't soon be forgotten. This book was a highly enjoyable read, and left me reaching straight for its sequel, "Infinity". I guarantee this book will entertain and satisfy - so don't miss out!