My Shadow Warrior

August 1, 2005
In Holling's superb trilogy, it's 1597, and Scotland is no place for witches. After Alan MacDonell's wife was burned at the stake, he sent his three daughters away. Now he is dying and sends three escorts to bring them back to marry men he believes will protect them from the witch hysteria.The third sister, Rose, is a healer. In " My Shadow Warrior," she tries to heal their father. Nothing works, so she writes letter after letter to her last resort, the Wizard of the North. When the wizard won't come to her, she goes to him. William MacKay is a virtual recluse whose own villagers turn on him any time he tries to help. He not only heals but he also takes the offending pain onto himself. Rose is shocked at the danger he puts himself in.Medieval Scotland comes to life in Holling's tantalizing trilogy, and each book is moving and engrossing, as each tormented hero is saved, not by the powers of the MacDonell sisters but by their love. Through her alluring characters, Holling celebrates the triumph of good over evil, especially in dangerous times, and no one should miss these fine romances. (Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)