Book Review: The Immortal Highlander by Karen Marie Moning
Let’s be honest here; though most of us gave up on fairy tales about the same time that we tucked away our night lights and stuffed animals, we still want to believe in happily-ever-after. And, considering myself an educated reader, rarely do I pause before the Romance books. Instead, as if I might be slapped with a “here’s your sign” type sticker if I glance at the heady covers of often over-done romance novels, I rush on in search of a “good” read.
As long as we’re being honest, though, I’ll admit to a weakness for scantily-clad, brawny tartan-covered highland men. Despite myself, those covers catch my eye and I find myself guiltily drawn to them before I can think twice. In the case of Karen Moning’s “Immortal Highlander”, I’m glad I caved.
Central to the story are two characters; Adam Black, a darkly seductive fairy (and no, we’re not talking about the little fellows with wings, but rather something much more akin to what we think of when we hear the word “Elf” after seeing Orlando Bloom portraying one on the big screen), and Gabrielle O’Callaghan, a woman “cursed” with the ability to see the world of Faery.
Adam Black is renowned in Gabrielle’s line of Faery-Seeing women, so much so that the Black Book has been carefully created, inscribed with the words:
“BEWARE: Lethally seductive alpha male of immense strength and dark eroticism. Do not look at him. Do not touch him. Do not be tempted. Do not be seduced.”
In the way of romance books, Gabrielle approaches Adam Black’s appearance with the skepticism typified by lawyers; she firmly doubts Adam’s story that he has been transformed into a human man, and probes deeply to uncover the truth of why he was punished in such a way. In short, Gabrielle detests the “it”, as she refers to the Faery male, just as much as she is drawn by overwhelming desire toward him.
Sounds very typical of a romance novel, right? Well, perhaps it is; but when moving through the book, you suddenly realize that somehow, despite yourself, you’ve been immersed into a fantasy world that is, even more unlikely, startlingly real. Somewhere along the line, I myself realized that I had discarded my preconceptions about the book as a romance novel, and was rooting for the charming Adam Black with all the gusto of a football fan. I was captivated, held entranced under some kind of fairy spell.
Without telling you the story, which would ruin it for everyone who decides to give it a chance, I can tell you this: never before have I found myself in tears for the last 20 pages of a book. I read the entire thing, cover-to-cover, in one straight sitting. Weaved seamlessly into the love-story plot of seduction and sensual treats are a series of deadly political plots that threatens both the realm of Earth and that of Faery.
Mortal or immortal, few people have ever been given to know the level of love that dances, just beyond grasp, throughout the pages of “Immortal Highlander”. Thwarted every turn by deeply laid conspiracies and their own pride, Gabrielle struggles with the realization that her Fae Prince may never be able to be “hers”. From Adam’s point of view, he’s suddenly, gut-wrenchingly aware that a mortal woman has the power to threaten the heart he’s never had.
Without reservation, I recommend this book to anyone looking for a comfortable read. The style of writing that Karen Moning uses is artfully simple; you will find yourself turning pages more quickly than you thought possible for a 350-page book. Love story and deep thought-provoker, you will find yourself thinking about the subtle intricacies of our preconceptions long after you’ve regretfully turned the last page.
I’m eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series.
