After reading Ms. Sams’ first book in this series Gryphon’s Quest, I knew that I had to read The Gazing Globe. The teaser she left in the first book left you wondering: in what circumstances would a person not know that he was half Druid and half fairy. As a child some of my favorite stories were fairytales, well, outside of the science fiction stuff. Okay, I know - fairytales and sci-fi - all I can say is my mom always said I was a strange child.

Hugh McTavish has been looking for his missing brother for nearly thirty years. Under the reign of Freyja, the former Sorceress of the Ancients, the old traditions were strictly upheld. So when Arthur, a Druid warrior, fell in love with Syndra, a fairy they had no choice but to go into hiding. It was that or be put to death. Something recently has happened because now Hugh can feel their presence.

When Hugh, after months of tracking them, arrives in Harvest, Maine, he finds his brother and sister-in-law have both died within the last few months. At first glance everything seem normal enough but when Hugh realizes that their surviving son, Blain is now also desperately ill, it raises concerns that all is not what it seems. As Hugh and Blain get to know each other, Hugh finds more proof that his family has been cursed. There are hexes and talismans found all over the farm. As he begins to destroy these things, Blain’s health begins to improve. Hugh, desperate for help, calls Shayla, the current Sorceress. Shayla promises she will do what she can to help.

Three weeks later, Shayla and Afton O’Malley, a Druid apprentice, come to stay with Blain and Hugh. Shayla has confidence that Afton’s natural healing ability will be the turning point for Blain if they can solve the mystery behind who is cursing the boy. After weeks of being with Blain, Hugh has found that there is more than one person with a grudge against Blain. One person is the widow of a neighboring farmer who sold land to Blain’s father without his wife’s knowledge. Hannah is now making Blain’s life miserable saying her husband was tricked into selling the land. Another is the Reverend Myers who finds every chance he can to accost Blain about his relationship with Rhiannon Stone, a newcomer to the town. Rhiannon seems to have no problem flaunting their very physical relationship in front of the reverend and the whole town. Is there an ulterior motive behind Rhiannon’s actions?

When Blain meets Afton for the first time, he is instantly drawn to her beauty. As the weeks pass, he discovers it is more than her beauty that attracts him to Afton. He discovers her innocent air of peace and tranquility, her love of nature, draws him even more. Afton knows him in ways Rhiannon doesn’t even seem to care about knowing. What is he to do now?

While Afton is attracted to Blain, there are things standing in the way. His lack of knowledge of his heritage, his disbelief in all things magic and now his illness, which has its roots in the magic that he disbelieves exists. Even his parents may have been killed by magic. Who hates this family enough to kill? Is this person a danger to the Order?

Blain knows Afton and the others are keeping things from him but he has no idea of the scope of the secrets surrounding him. Will Blain come to accept his heritage before it’s too late? Will they be able to flush out the true culprit behind everything? Will Blain and Afton find a way to be together?

If you are like me and are always looking for a well-written story and enjoy a modern adult fairytale, you can’t go wrong with Ms. Sams’ The Gazing Globe or any of the books in this series. The gentle love story between Blain and Afton touches the heart. All the while the mystery of who is plotting against Blain keeps you intrigued. I, for one, am going to make sure I get my copies of the other books in this series as soon they are reissued.

Reviewed By Theresa
© March 2006