Following the defeat of the vampire elders, Guardian fire witch Arianna Calin and vampire prince Andreas De Luca are considering moving to his estates in Italy to raise their daughter in its idyllic setting. As if being descended from two powerful witch bloodlines wasn't challenging enough, Rayne was born with a mysterious star tattoo on her shoulder. Her parents suspect she is the Chosen, the focus of the Star of Esielen prophecy. But that's something to worry about in the distant future. Isn't it? After all, their child may be precocious, but she is only five.
Then the murders begin. The stench of demonic activity hangs over Olde Town, and a symbol carved in blood indicates Rayne may be the next victim. Suspicion points in several directions, including a rival vampire, a mysterious stranger, and a werehyena leader attempting to break the bank at Andreas's new casino.
Abandoning plans for a quiet life, Ari and Andreas hunt for the killers. While Rayne may someday have to face her destiny alone, it's up to them to make sure she's ready...and to keep her alive.
Ally Shields is the fantasy pen name of Janet L Buck, who also writes historical mysteries as J L Buck.
Ms Shields' Guardian Witch series was first released between 2012 and 2015 and were withdrawn by Etopia Press in 2023. Revised and updated editions were released later in 2023 with new covers and one title change.
Due to an ongoing story line, the author recommends this series be read in order, beginning with Awakening the Fire.
A sequel trilogy may be re-released in the future.
The Maggie York Paranormal Mystery trilogy, set in New Orleans and the Crosskeys trilogy may also be re-released with revised editions as time permits.
When not writing, Ms Shields reads multiple genres--urban fantasy, thrillers, mysteries, historical romance, and she loves to travel--anywhere, anytime.
I love how Ally shields has taken characters from a previous series and started a whole new one. It is not stale or trite. It is fresh, exciting, alluring and addictive. You get characters you love like Ari and Adreas. You see where they are and how their world is shaping up. You see that the idyllic life isn’t meant to be for them.
Here we see the future legacy play out. We get some old and new characters but you love them none the less. Ari and Andreas are great together and work well together when danger surrounds them. I love the protective nature of these two and their love for one another still shines through. Their little girl Rayne is precious. And she is the one in danger but her powers are enormous and shine through.
The story has a few plot lines that seemlessy intertwine to give us a story filled with danger and intrigue. It’s alluring and addictive and has you hoping the next comes out soon. A great beginning to a new series that has old friends come back in a fresh and fun and even at times provocative way in a story that is filled with mystery, intrigue and danger. I wonder completely about the prophecy and Rayne’s role in it. Can’t wait to find out.
Ally Shields is back with a new series. It is actually kind of a continuation to an old series. You get some of the old people but a lot of new ones, and new situations. Ari and Andreas are back and Rayne their Daughter is now 5.
People are dying all over Olde Town. Some human and some not. At first Ari cannot sense anything about the killer or killers.
Andreas has opened his new Casino. Someone is still not happy about this. Could this have something to do with the murders?
Rayne is coming into her powers. As young as she is she doesn't really understand how dangerous some of them can be. Ari and Andreas have their hands full raising the Chosen One and helping Rayne understand her powers and how to use them. When they realize that the killings are just a prequel to the danger Rayne is in it is up to Ari and Andreas to not only keep Rayne safe but Olde Town as well.
This is a busy book and is extremely hard to put down once picked up. I am glad Ally brought back Ari and Andreas and is continuing their story.
A few years ago I fell in love with a Witch who was also a law enforcement officer in a town in the Mid West. And of course her hunky droolishous vampire love interest. Their world is full of paranormal friends and enemies.
And now they are married with a beautiful child. So what insane creature would threaten this pair's child!
Start the book when you have a lot of free time so you won't have to put it down.