Audrey O'Conner had been groomed since birth to become the head of the High Council when she reached twenty-one. Even as a child, she had been a powerful mage. Unfortunately, her parents had been killed in an accident when she was little, putting more pressure on her to become a great leader. That naturally meant that a lot of choices that most little girls got to make were actually made for her. Audrey could deal with that. She had been taught that her people came first. The only choice that she wished she could have made on her own was for her mate. He had been chosen for her--the man who would be her life partner--and she had no say in the matter.

Sebastian MacAllister was a familiar. Able to change into a large, sleek panther, he was also a member of the secret organization called the Keepers. He was the mate that had been chosen for Audrey. It helped--only slightly Audrey kept telling herself--that he was devastatingly gorgeous! Sebastian thought that he'd be able to keep his relationship with Audrey fairly platonic. Well, maybe just friendly with a bit of bedroom privileges thrown in for fun! But after the first phase of the Joining Ceremony, he couldn't get his mind, or his eyes, off of her.

When Audrey's jealous relation, with the intention of removing her so that he could assume leadership of the High Council, kidnapped her and transported her to the year 1598, the Council sent Sebastian after her. When he found her, she was about to stand trial for witchcraft! Knowing he needed to act quickly, Sebastian didn't stop to think about possible consequences before "changing." And Audrey was relieved and overwhelmed to have her panther come to her rescue. Finding Gavin, getting the magical Myst Wand back, and getting back to their own time proved to be a bit more difficult however. Along the way, Sebastian discovered that being separated from Audrey was the most painful thing imaginable. And Audrey discovered that Sebastian was the mate of her heart after all.

FAMILIAR MAGIC was incredible! Once I started reading it, I couldn't stop until the last word! Ms. Devlyn created characters to fall in love with! Audrey and Sebastian were enchanting as two people struggling against their hearts' destiny. Headstrong and forced to always be in control, Audrey was delightful to watch as she began to give some of that power to Sebastian. Flirtatious and secretive, Sebastian charmed me as he realized that gaining Audrey was not losing anything else.

FAMILIAR MAGIC is one of the best novels I've read! Shannon Devlyn can feel good about being in the company of Catherine Coulter, Amanda Quick, and Julie Garwood. Ms. Devlyn is sure to become a favorite author of anyone who reads her work!

Reviewed by Tracy Atencio
© August 2004