Malachite

Romance and intrigue intertwine in this leisurely romantic fantasy series launch. Estranged lovers Marion and Jean both occupy positions of authority as highwardens in the island city of Malachite, to which they have been exiled from the matriarchic mainland. Both are responsible for welcoming new exiles, and Jean serves as a district warden for the dangerous area known as the Zanzare. As Marion prepares for his wedding to the much-younger Tris, son of the city’s ruler, the three men are caught up in matters of state and affairs of both the heart and body. A rebel is stirring up unrest among the gangs, evoking memories of an older, more chaotic period of Malachite’s history. To keep the peace, Marion and Jean must work together despite lingering emotional wounds. The slow-burning plot takes a backseat to the romantic complications facing the leads, emphasizing drama over action and erotic interludes over adrenaline and adventure. The setting creaks under the weight of history and corruption, with Crow (the Scarlet and the White Wolf series) drawing on Italian imagery and flavor for atmosphere and influence. This works well as a subtle romance, but readers looking primarily for epic fantasy may feel a bit let down. (BookLife)