Morrigan Blake considers herself one thing, and one thing only: a star reporter. Rigan spends long months shooting across the cosmos to cover various stories and now she is on the way to investigate the Galaxy Brides Corporation, who is currently providing virgins to a planet short of women. Rigan poses undercover as a potential bride being offered to Qurilixian males at their annual Breeding Festival. On the way, the Breeding corporation offers and Rigan enjoys such free benefits such as permanent hair removal, body enhancing lifts and various spa amenities, but her real purpose is to uncover a scandal, and possibly to get an interview of one of the four princes.

Morrigan gets thrown for a loop when she arrives, because during the ritual introductions, she is chosen as one of the brides. She spends an evening in a tent with the warrior groom who has chosen her but is confused by the silent rituals of the first night, followed buy a crystal-smashing custom which leaves her committed to her warrior. Between the unexplained ceremonies and customs, the ship leaves without her, and she finds that she is an actual bride.

Her husband is Ualan, who is unbeknownst to her a Prince, heir to the throne, and a shape-shifter. Rigan tries to handle her situation in spite of the secrets Ualan keeps from her, the mysteries of the planet, the rituals and the magic she does not understand but like the star reporter she is, always with the story comes first in her mind. She has no idea that Ualan has but one chance of a spouse and he has chosen her; and if Rigan does not honor her marriage then he will spend the rest of his life alone. Even knowing the potential of a long, lonely future, Ualan is determined to win his bride's heart on his own merit, or he will let her go.

Michelle Pillow has written a fine fantasy novel with erotic elements. The characters are unique individuals set in a well-conceived fantasy future world whose warrior heroes retain appealing primitive qualities that will appeal to any woman reader who is still breathing. Stylistically, the novel is similar to the Wonderland novels by Cheyanne McCray, though not loaded with the gratuitous nudity and punishment of that series. As in the best women's fiction, the erotica in the Barbarian Prince is integral to the story. This reviewer is looking forward to reading the continuing stories of Ualan's three brothers and their brides.

Reviewed By: Allie
© July 2004