cover image Spellbinder

Spellbinder

Una Power. Random House (UK), $25.95 (314pp) ISBN 978-0-7126-5636-8

In late-18th century Ireland, Lady Georgiana Ryen is convinced that her hated neighbor Bartley Kincaid has asked for her hand in order to rule her beloved Castle Cloona. A clairvoyant (as, allegedly, is the author), Georgiana curses all who threaten her right to her heritage, repetitively declaring her ``fierce, possessive love'' for Cloona. The first part of the tale revolves around the demesne of Cloona and the growing unrest of the peasants. Ever headstrong Georgiana is imprisoned for conspiracy and murder, but escapes to London with the help of another prisoner, where, masquerading as brother and sister, they become the center of the social season. With Kincaid's arrival in London, her stormy relationship with Bartley is rekindled, and in Power's heavy-handed treatment, further developed. A hard-earned royal pardon in hand, Georgiana returns to Ireland to meet a few more surprises before she sees Cloona again. Faced with the wrenching, unexpected loss of the castle, Georgiana harnesses her powers of clairvoyance to find renewed inner strength and reach the predictable, happy resolution. (Apr.)