She Walks in Power

Author: MaryLu Tyndall
Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: Protectors of the Spear #1

Alexia D'Clere didn't ask to be Protector of the Spear, but after her dying mother gave her the tiny metal object and made her promise to keep it safe, she had no choice. Orphaned at age eight, she began to take over the running of her parent's castle with the help of a trusted steward. Yet, when a plot to murder her was revealed, a friar whisked her away to live hidden in the forest. There, she learned to shoot expertly with bow and arrow and hone her skills to see into the spirit realm.

Now, at eighteen, Alexia continues to keep the Spear protected, provide meat for the starving village, while secretly caring for her ill sister who still lives in the castle. With Alexia's powers of spiritual discernment and her skill as an archer, she is no match for those who come for the spear. That is until she meets Ronar LePeine, one of the King's elite guard.

Ronar desires nothing more than to do his duty to God and King and pay penance for past sins. Yet a forest sprite with red, flaming hair blocks his every move, all the while enchanting him like no other. Something evil lurks at Castle Luxley, and both Ronar and Alexia are soon thrust into the middle of a spiritual battle which will not only test their very beliefs, but put them both in mortal danger.

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Reviewer: Mindy Houng

This is the first book I’ve read by MaryLu Tyndall, and it was quite enjoyable. I’ll be sure to follow this series (Protectors of the Spear) as well as go through her backlist of books to enjoy the action-filled, plot-driven stories filled with adventure. This first book in the series combines fluid writing, plenty of medieval-style combat, flawed yet beautiful characters, the power of faith, and the realm of the unseen supernatural to weave a striking tale of good overcoming evil. 

Alexia, the self-exiled and hidden mistress of the manor whom everyone believes is dead, is an expert archer with a gift of discernment. Ronar is a King’s Guard tasked with the unpleasant duty of escorting a bishop to the manor on an errand for the king. They find themselves caught in a dark and ominous web of lies, betrayal, and deceit as evil descends further into Alexia’s former home, and they try to fight it together. Though they’re both seasoned and tough warriors, their romance is quite sweet and tender, and Ronar’s vulnerability is especially heart-wrenching. There are, of course, the typical medieval characters such as corrupt nobles and clergymen. There are also righteous and loyal clergymen and knights and sought after holy relics. I can’t wait to read the next in the series to find out what happens!

If you enjoy historical romance with a bit of supernatural, you will enjoy this book. 

I received the book from the author/publisher via Interviews and Reviews and was under no obligation to post a positive review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

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