Hyacinthe (Cin) is a Sprit Walker, one who communicates with the departed and helps bring them over to the other side. He has escaped the massacre of his people by a group of Necromancers, those who try to control and use the spirits of those who have passed. Still on the run, Cin makes for a safe haven, a place where he won't be followed. But along the way, he crosses paths with Maelgwyn, the leader of a group of eagle shifters, who is leading his own battle and has no love for Spirit Walkers. But perhaps their meeting wasn't entirely by chance...

This is on the short side, and there's quite a bit here, but it's fun, original, and engaging. The romance isn't heavily threaded throughout, but I don't think it necessarily needs to be. Sometimes shared experiences and curiosity are enough to make a spark of attraction build to a light glow. I certainly would love to see more of this world and these characters. And when I can say that--while still feeling like I got a complete story--that's always a good thing in my book. ( )

2.5 ( )