Years ago a young warrior was bound by magic to forever exist between Here, the mortal world, and There, limbo for lost souls. His only chance at breaking this curse was to find his soul-mate, the one who would forever be bound to him in any plane of existence. Seven hundred years of searching leads Adam, father of all the GIM, to Eliza May an American in London to visit her extended family. Adam immediately recognizes Eliza May as his soul’s true mate but botches their meeting by holding her against her will in the hopes she will recognize his soul too. Unfortunately Eliza May doesn’t believe in a soul mate and has her own fears about creatures with otherworldly powers. She runs from Adam at the first opportunity and condemns him to the true power of his curse.
Months later Eliza May is running again, but away from the cruel plans of her guardian Mab and her own manifesting powers. Finding Adam chained up in Mab’s basement Eliza strikes a deal with him to protect her from Mab while she comes to terms with the possibility of their truly being parts of the same soul. Adam, having lost his ability to protect the GIM because of the curse, has to fight against time to convince Eliza May that they are one or else all the GIM of London will die and their souls will be lost forever in the purgatory of Nowhere.
The world author Kristen Callihan creates in her Darkest London series is full of all manner of myths and magic. Adam and Eliza May are drawn from Irish legends but have histories and personalities unique to their pasts. Adam is weary of being alone while surrounded by all the GIM children he’s created; worshipped for his position but never known as an individual. Eliza May hides the circumstances of her birth by presenting the façade of a strong and independent woman while always fearing discovery. Their love develops not because of a curse or predestined match but because they see how much they need one another to truly live rather than exist in the half-lives created for them. Newer readers may be confused by ideas of the GIM (Ghosts in the Machine) or how sinister ancient magic can be in a modern time; however the romance between Eliza May and Adam trumps it all.
Sensuality: Warm
Publication Date: 02/2015
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Me too! Can’t wait.
By the way, we watched Diner last night. In general, it held up wonderfully. Very fun.