Reviewer: Janet Davies
Title: Blackwind : Sean and Bronwyn
Author: Charlotte Boyett-Compo
Publisher: Cerriwden Press
ISBN: 1-499-0324-1
Release Date: November 2005
Genre/Sub-genre: Paranormal Romance
Year/Setting: Georgia and Ireland 1978 - 1985
Overall Rating: 3.75
Sexual Content Rating: Subtle
Language (Profanity/Slang) Rating: None
Violent Content Rating: Moderate
Charlotte's Website: www.windlegends.org
Bronwyn McGregor and Sean Cullen have a relationship that started in the school yard. Although she is a doctor’s daughter and he is from the ‘wrong side of the tracks’ they have a bond that defies societies conventions. They are soul mates and they are destined to be together. But not everyone see their relationship as natural young love.
When the young lovers are parted due to the harsh treatment of Bronwyn’s parents, their lives begin to change. Bronwyn is sent to a convent in Ireland to hide the family shame of a child being born out of wedlock. Sean is also off to Ireland but not for Bronwyn alone. His real father tells him the truth of his heritage. His destiny is set, regardless of what he wants.
Once in Ireland, Sean comes to learn of the parasite that infects his blood. It has been passed down from father to son and there is nothing he can do to stop his transition to a beast. Because of this he becomes someone he does not want to be. But can destiny be changed?
And what of Bronwyn, trapped in her lonely convent life, thinking about Sean? Who is Nightwind who calls out to her in her solicitude? Is he there to protect her or lure her into evil?
I really liked the character of Sean. Even in the earlier part of the book, when he is a child, he came across as much older and wiser than those around him. Initially I thought it had to do with his violent childhood but ad I read on and his heritage is revealed I became to see that his earlier character was due to his destiny. His strong belief that he and Bronwyn are destined to be together is romantic and binds the book together. Bronwyn is a victim of society’s rules and the iron fist of religion. And as for Sean’s mother Dorrie, I can see how the woman cracked and did what she did – however I will say no more as I have to wish to ruin the tension in the book.
The first part of Blackwind: Sean and Bronwyn is set in Georgia in the US and the second part in Ireland. I felt there were two stories within the book. The tone and mood changed completely from one location to the other. There are so many twists in this story that occasionally it threw me and I had to read back over what I had just read. However, I do not see this as a bad thing. To me, it is an ever changing story adding plot twist upon plot twist keeping it interesting. It is a paranormal romance so if you need to be able to think outside the square.
Blackwind: Sean and Bronwyn is a Celtic cliffhanger with a gothic feel that leaves you wondering. Can love survive harsh conventions and cruel heritage? Will Bronwyn and Sean be reunited? I will be reading on for the next installment. it.
Janet
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