Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention: Magic Runs Deep by Alex Whitehall

[reviews_and_ramblings]

Magic Runs Deep

"A fantasy world with shifters and mages comes to life in this well written saga of good vs evil. Veier in bear form is a force to be reckoned with, and at times hard to control. In human form he's a different story all together. Smaller, prettier but don't get under his skin or you might find yourself shredded. Elrid, the mage and the king's brother is intrigued by Veier and the Ursinae clan he comes from. When Veier saves Elrid's life the new king tells him he can have his freedom is he can show he can control his animal instincts and not be a danger to the populace. An affection grows between Veier and Elrid to the point they find they cannot live without each other. A solution must be found. I enjoyed this story immensely."

"Magic Runs Deep is more than a romance or a shifter novel. Nestled in a fantasy world I'd love to visit again, this is the story of two men who, despite their differences, simply fit. One is a royal and one is part of a loving pack, but the politics of neither interfere, which is wonderfully refreshing. Even the darker elements of Veier's story can't weigh down the sweetness of the romance. Definitely one to reread."

For the last five years, Veier has been chained to a king’s throne in his bear form. When a neighboring kingdom overthrows the crown, Veier’s imprisonment ends, but true freedom is not so easily earned. With blood on his hands, he needs someone with patience, strength, and trust to help him become the person he was before and prove to the invaders that he isn’t the monstrous king’s loyal pet.

Elrid, the invading king's brother and a powerful mage, is everything Veier despises. He’s also the only thing between Veier and execution, because he thinks he can help Veier change from an aggressive bear shifter into a reasonable man. While the pair have a rough start, with long talks and mutual leaps of faith, they begin to care for each other.

However, the closer Veier gets to his freedom, the closer he is to losing Elrid. He must find balance in his heart and his life if he wishes to truly claim the freedom he’s been given — and the man he loves.