Review: Mistwood by Leah Cypess

Mistwood
Author: Leah Cypess

Publication: Greenwillow Books; 1 edition (April 27, 2010)

Description: The Shifter is an immortal creature bound by an ancient spell to protect the kings of Samorna. When the realm is peaceful, she retreats to the Mistwood. But when she is needed she always comes.

Isabel remembers nothing. Nothing before the prince rode into her forest to take her back to the castle. Nothing about who she is supposed to be, or the powers she is supposed to have.

Prince Rokan needs Isabel to be his Shifter. He needs her ability to shift to animal form, to wind, to mist. He needs her lethal speed and superhuman strength. And he needs her loyalty—because without it, she may be his greatest threat.

Isabel knows that her prince is lying to her, but she can't help wanting to protect him from the dangers and intrigues of the court . . . until a deadly truth shatters the bond between them.

Now Isabel faces a choice that threatens her loyalty, her heart . . . and everything she thought she knew.

My Thoughts: This was a lovely, lyrical novel. It begins in an old, rather frightening forest and a woman who has lost most of her memory. She knows that she could shift shape and elude the prince who has come to find her but she chooses not to. She doesn't know if it is curiosity or loneliness that lets her wait for the prince. She learns about herself from him and learns it is her role to protect the king and kingdom. The prince, Rokan, binds her with a bracelet and a promise.

"Isabel," the prince said with a note of satisfaction in his voice. "By the Shifter's Seal on your wrist, do you swear to serve me and mine with all your abilities and powers, to defend us and to protect us and keep us safe from all harm?"

She looked up at him and said, "What?"

He grinned then, his dark eyes gleaming, and she lost any hope of turning and running before it was too late. It was already too late. Something about that wide, unrestrained smile...

She has flashes of memories and flounders as she tries to protect the prince and learn about the politics of the castle. She is told that the shifter is not human but she struggles with very human emotions. The castle is filled with intrigue. She knows that almost everyone is lying to her. There is the prince's sister who hates her and the the resident wizard who hates and distrusts her and the Northern Dukes who are plotting something. Even the prince she is sworn to protect is lying to her.

The story is filled with betrayals and confused loyalties. Saying more would be to give spoilers which I don't want to do. This book is an enchanting read and I encourage fantasy lovers to give it a try. The final twist comes as a surprise but a satisfying one.

Here is the trailer:



Challenges: 2010 YA Debut Author Challenge, 2010 YA Reading Challenge, RYOB Reading Challenge